Which Top Stars Should Lakers Pursue Next Offseason amid NBA Free-Agent Rumors?

After missing the playoffs during a disappointing 2021-22 season, the Los Angeles Lakers are aiming to bounce back. They're preparing for the 2022-23 campaign with their star trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook still intact.

Some of the complementary players around those three have changed over the offseason. But for the most part, the Lakers are coming back with the same core and hoping for better results.

What if it doesn't work out? What if Westbrook is traded at some point during the upcoming season? Which direction does Los Angeles go if it doesn't have success? Or what moves will it make if it does?

Although the 2022-23 season hasn't even started yet, it's not too early to start thinking about the long-term future for the Lakers. Especially because some of the players they've been linked to in trade rumors will be hitting the free-agent market next summer.

And it's quite possible Los Angeles will be targeting some of them, based on what a Western Conference executive recently told Frederick Ennette of Heavy.com.

“No matter what [the Lakers] do with trades or however they reconstruct this year, they are going to keep an eye on next summer," the executive told Ennette. "That is where they have a lot invested, being able to get another star-type player next summer.”

One of the biggest names who will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason is Kyrie Irving. The 30-year-old point guard has featured in a ton of trade rumors in recent months, yet he's heading into the 2022-23 season still a member of the Brooklyn Nets.

Even if Irving doesn't get dealt, he could be switching teams next summer. While it's possible the Lakers will have interest in him, that may not actually be their most likely free-agent signing.

“They’re going to look at Kyrie Irving, of course, but he is probably not their top choice," the executive told Ennette. "They will look at Jerami Grant, who they liked for a long time, same with Myles Turner. I think Andrew Wiggins would be a big prize there because he can play two ways.”

Grant and Wiggins wouldn't exactly be huge splashes. The 28-year-old Grant, who was traded from the Detroit Pistons to the Portland Trail Blazers in July, has never been an All-Star in his eight-year career, but he's improved in recent seasons. The 27-year-old Wiggins, also an eight-year NBA veteran, was a first-time All-Star last season while helping the Golden State Warriors win a championship.

Both of those players would be solid pieces for the Lakers roster. But Turner may be the most impactful potential addition.

The 26-year-old has been consistently strong for the Indiana Pacers in his seven-year NBA career and would provide a great boost for the Lakers in the post.

Last season, Turner averaged 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 42 games. He's missed some time because of injuries over the past two years, but the 6'11" center is a dominant force when healthy.

Turner could be a great complementary player to James and Davis, and he should be high up the Lakers' free-agent wish list for next offseason. But if they can't land Turner, Grant and/or Wiggins would also be solid targets.