On Monday night, what was supposed to be a pretty good season for the Los Angeles Lakers came to a disappointing end when they were officially eliminated from the playoffs by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Expectations were always low when top star Luka Doncic suffered a serious hamstring injury just before the postseason began. But the Roosters still showed their ability and courage to reach the semi-finals by defeating the Houston Rockets in the opening round.
Still, roster changes are coming this offseason. NBA legend LeBron James may have played his final game in Los Angeles – and possibly in the league. And DeAndre Ayton will almost certainly opt out of the final year of his deal. While those are notable losses, the Lakers aren't too far away from being legitimate title contenders in 2026-27. But they still need better rim protection, big-time rebounding and more athletic versatility on defense.
With that in mind, let's take a look at 10 impact players the LA front office should target this offseason to bolster the roster around young stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Sign Isaiah Hartenstein
Although his stats don't jump off the page, Isaiah Hartenstein makes a notable impact wherever he plays. He is a classic dirty work player who will do whatever is necessary to win and that is what the Lakers need. But beyond those attributes, he is a great rebounder – especially on the offensive boards – a smart and tenacious defender and a skilled passer. If LA can get him for the right price in free agency, he will fill a lot of their needs in the front court.
trade for andrew wiggins
If Andrew Wiggins opts out of the final year of his contract with the Miami Heat (he is expected to), he should be a target for the Lakers. He is a classic 3-and-D player who would be a great fit on this Lakers team. He can guard many wing defenders Doncic or Reaves can't despite being a legitimate three-point threat – he shot 41% from beyond the arc in 2025-26. Plus, if it doesn't work out, he'll be off the books after next season.
sign peyton watson
One player who will have a lot of interest in free agency this summer is Denver Nuggets swingman Peyton Watson. He had a breakout season in 2025-26 just in time to make the jump to the open market. Posting 14.6 points, nearly five rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game. Although it may be a small thing at just 23 years old, his success is huge.
With two young players at the core of the roster, the Lakers should target other young players to move forward with them. Watson should be at the top of their wish list. However, the major issue is that he is a restricted free agent, and the Nuggets have a chance to match any offer.
trade for jarrett allen
If the Cleveland Cavaliers do not reach the Conference Finals this month, Jarrett Allen will definitely be on the trade block, and the Lakers should be first in line for his services. The one-time All-Star brings the rebounding, rim-protection and lob threat Doncic wanted. He's no star, but he'd be a perfect fit for LA.
Although he is still owed three years and more than $90 million, it will be worth it as he could address major needs this summer.
Trade for Yves Missy and Herb Jones
If the Lakers want to go a more budget-friendly route to address some issues, another option would be to talk to the New Orleans Pelicans on the phone and inquire about the cost of a trade for center Yves Messi and forward Herb Jones.
Neither of them have impressive offensive stats, but they are impressive defenders the Lakers should target this summer. Jones is a top perimeter defender. Missy is an impressive 21-year-old rim protector who can be further developed. This is not a sexy business, but will yield big profits over the course of the season.
sign michelle robinson
Despite averaging 19 minutes and scoring only five points per game, New York Knicks fans can tell you how valuable Mitchell Robinson is. He is a top-notch defender at the center position and rim protector, but his elite offensive rebounding could be the difference between a playoff team and a contender.
Knicks fans will also tell you how hurt the big man is. He would certainly be a risk for the Lakers, but he's still only 28 years old and that's exactly what they need in the middle.
Draft Terrence Reed Jr. with the No. 24 pick
The Lakers clearly have options in the free agency and trade market. But the 2026 NBA Draft is deep and has some gems available at the end of the first round and the beginning of the second round. One player who should be on their radar is Connecticut big man Tyrese Reed Jr.
He is a strong rebounder who is adept at tearing down offensive boards. He is an agile athlete on defense, but he also has a solid offensive game after scoring only 20 points per game for the Huskies last season.
Trade up in Round 2 and draft Zubie Ejiofor
If the Lakers are willing to trade up in the second round of the June event, another interesting target would be St. John's big man Zubie Ejiofor. The Big East Player of the Year is a good rebounder and effective rim protector (he averages more than two per game) at 6 feet 9 inches tall. His offensive performance has also taken off after averaging 16 points per game last season.
As a potential replacement for LeBron James at power forward, Ejiofor could be a sleeper option early in Round 2.
Sign Kristaps Porzingis
If the Lakers are looking for an affordable risk with a upside this offseason, 10-year veteran Kristaps Porzingis should be on their radar. His bizarre health problems have seriously affected him in the last two seasons. However, his 2023-24 season with the Boston Celtics showed he can make a serious difference on a title contender if healthy.
Although he is not a beast on the boards, he is a rim protector who is a lopsided threat and can stretch the floor. Due to his recent illnesses, he could come cheap this summer.
