Gary Trent Jr. is the floor spacer the Lakers need

The Los Angeles Lakers need a healthy dose of floor spacing. It's the most logical way to get the best out of the LeBron James and Anthony Davis pairing. The more perimeter catch-and-shoot threats head coach JJ Redick has at his disposal, the more versatile the Lakers' offensive system will become. 

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jovan Buha, Gary Trent Jr. could emerge as a free-agent target.

"Gary Trent Jr. and Spencer Dinwiddie are two names to watch for if the Lakers clear enough space to use their taxpayer midlevel exception, according to league sources," Charania and Buha reported.

Trent is a career 38.6 percent shooter on the perimeter. At 25 years old, he can continue to improve his game. He played in 71 games for the Toronto Raptors last season, averaging 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 46.4 percent from two-point range and 39.3 percent from deep. The Lakers need to surround James and Davis with that type of scoring production.

Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter, would undoubtedly help improve Trent's perimeter scoring. He would know what actions to implement and how to ensure he gets consistently clean looks off the catch or when curling over screens. A genuine perimeter threat opens the floor and forces teams to think twice before sending help toward the ball-handler.

The Lakers must continue improving their rotation. They have been sluggish during the opening week of free agency. Focusing on perimeter threats is smart. It could solve an area that has been lacking for multiple seasons. Trent is also young enough to have long-term upside and potentially increase his trade value. 

Trent will undoubtedly attract interest from multiple NBA teams. If GM Rob Pelinka wants to acquire him, it would be wise to move quickly. Otherwise, the Lakers could be left scrambling to round out their roster and may be forced to enter another season without improving their perimeter offense.