Besides LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Lakers should target these unrestricted free agents
When it comes to unrestricted free agents, the Lakers will have a hard time finding better players on the market than the ones from their own team.With LeBron James coming off an expiring contract and Austin Reaves expected to decline his $14.9 million player option for 2026-27, the top unrestricted free agents expected to be on the market this offseason are the longest-tenured Lakers stars.Add in Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes and the Lakers have several unrestricted free agents who’ll draw interest from other teams. That’s before getting to Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, both of whom have player options for next season. The Lakers have made it clear they aren’t satisfied with how the 2025-26 season went after falling short of their ultimate goal of competing for an NBA title.And they need roster upgrades to achieve the championship roster they’re looking to surround superstar guard Luka Doncic with going into the 2026-27 season.Unrestricted free agency is one of the many tools to make those upgrades.Top teams have signed unrestricted free agents in their quest for a championship — from role players such as Spurs big man Luke Kornet during the 2025 offseason to stars such as Knicks guard Jalen Brunson during the 2022 offseason.Besides James and Reaves, there won’t be any realistic star-level players available for the Lakers to potentially land. But there are impactful ones. Which unrestricted free agents who weren’t already on their roster should the Lakers target this summer?2025-26 stats: 6.7 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 1 APG, 17.1 MPGOne of the Lakers’ biggest offseason priorities should be acquiring a center — or multiple big men — who better fit alongside Doncic. A rim runner and lob threat who’s efficient with finishing at the basket. A shot blocker and rim protector. Someone who can make an impact on the offensive and defensive boards.A center who’ll still make an impact with their energy and effort even if they’re...