Lakers Insider Lists Top Remaining Free-Agent Options Still In Play

The Los Angeles Lakers still have work to do this offseason, and insider Jovan Buha has shed light on the remaining options the team is eyeing. With most of the roster spots filled and limited cap flexibility, the Lakers are now pivoting toward role players and veterans who could round out the rotation around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. 

According to Buha, five names stand out, and while none are splashy, all offer situational upside.

"In terms of five guys that I think, four of these are free agents, one of these could be a potential buyout candidate depending on what happens with the current team. But my ranking, quickly: De'Anthony Melton No. 1, Marcus Smart No. 2, Malcolm Brogdon No. 3, Gary Payton No. 4, and Amir Coffey No. 5." 

"Payton and Coffey are more veteran types. You can maybe talk me into Gary Payton being worth in between the full biannual and, you know, a little bit more than the minimum, somewhere in that range. Brogdon, Smart, and Melton I think are legit biannual exception guys."

"I think Melton, coming off the injury, you can maybe argue more vet minimum guy. Also of note, as I shared a couple days ago, there’s been a lot more Warriors buzz with De’Anthony Melton."

"Looks like they are the favorites right now, at least slight favorites, if not strong favorites, to land him. And then Mark Stein of the Stein Line just reported that as well yesterday. So the buzz has been trending toward Melton likely going to the Warriors."

Among these, Melton is reportedly the Lakers’ top choice. However, that pursuit may already be over. Buha acknowledged a growing belief around the league that Melton is leaning toward the Golden State Warriors, with Mark Stein of The Stein Line also reporting the Warriors have emerged as favorites. 

Melton, who signed with the Warriors last year for the full mid-level exception, averaged 10.3 points in six games before an ACL tear ended his season. Despite the injury, his defensive versatility and floor-spacing ability remain in demand.

If Melton heads to Golden State, the Lakers could pivot to Marcus Smart but that too depends on circumstances. Smart is currently with the Washington Wizards, but they are undergoing a full youth movement after acquiring Cam Whitmore. 

The 31-year-old guard, who has only played 54 games in two years due to injuries, may be bought out of his $21.6 million deal. If so, Smart would instantly become one of the top veteran defenders on the market.

A former Defensive Player of the Year, Smart averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists last season, shooting a respectable 34.8% from deep. He also brings toughness, leadership, and playoff experience — all traits the Lakers value deeply in complementary guards.

Next up on the list is Malcolm Brogdon, who is a true free agent. Brogdon had an inconsistent season with the Wizards, averaging 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting just 28.6% from three. 

Despite the dip in efficiency, his poise, secondary playmaking, and size make him a viable fit for a second-unit role, especially if the Lakers want someone who can anchor bench possessions when LeBron or Luka sit.

Then there’s Gary Payton II, who quietly put together a solid year with the Warriors. He averaged 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting an impressive 57.4% from the field. His three-point shooting (32.6%) is passable, but it’s his point-of-attack defense and high motor that make him a desirable minimum-contract candidate. 

Buha believes Payton could land somewhere between the biannual exception and veteran minimum, depending on the market.

Finally, Amir Coffey is a sneaky option. Coffey began the season well with the Clippers, averaging 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists before a knee injury pushed him out of the rotation. He’s a long wing who can defend multiple positions and knock down open shots, two traits that always earn interest in free agency. At the vet minimum, he’s a low-risk swing with upside if healthy.

With limited cap tools remaining, the Lakers likely won’t be swinging for the fences. But the right depth addition could still move the needle. 

If Melton is off the table, Smart, Brogdon, Payton, and Coffey offer different flavors of perimeter support, and Buha’s list shows the Lakers are still trying to plug holes wherever they can before training camp.