6 Free agents who should be on Lakers' summer wish list
By Tyler Watts
3. Buddy Hield
Hield is one of the league’s best shooters. He has made 40.1 percent of his career 4,716 3-point attempts. The 31-year-old is not just an elite shooter, but one who sinks them in volume. Hield has made over three 3-pointers per game in five of the last six seasons.
The 6’6 wing was in trade rumors for years and nearly ended up on the Lakers in 2021. They reportedly had a deal in place before things fell apart. It was a double disaster for Los Angeles as the Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook instead.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was once Hield’s agent. The relationship coupled with the team’s need for shooting has made these rumors fly before. It appears Buddy will have a limited market in free agency, and the Lakers could try to get him on a bargain contract to add floor spacing and offensive punch.
Los Angeles may be searching for 3-and-D wings, but the market will dry up quickly. The Lakers do not want to be left empty-handed. If Buddy Hield gets a $20 million per season offer elsewhere he will go. LA needs his relationship with Pelinka to play a crucial role in Hield accepting a discount. Consider it unlikely, but the Lakers should try.