Lakers' Complete Free-Agency Preview and Predictions Before 2023 NBA Draft

It's hard to tell exactly how much longer the Los Angeles Lakers have to chase NBA championships with LeBron James.

The answer clearly can't be long, though who had the 38-year-old still playing at this level 20 seasons deep?

No matter what that answer is, the Lakers should be pouring every resource they can into the title race. When healthy, James and Anthony Davis can still form the backbone of a championship contender, so long as they have the right support pieces around them.

That's what this offseason should be about, then: filling out the puzzle around those stars. To dig deeper into the challenge that lies ahead, let's preview everything on the offseason docket for the Purple and Gold.

Draft Preview

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 22: (L) Rob Pelinka, vice president of basketball operations and general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with head coach Darvin Ham before the Denver Nuggets versus the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 22, 2023, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

As things stand, the Lakers will have two throws at the dart board during Thursday's draft. They hold the Nos. 17 and 47 picks, which could help deliver cheap rotation players.

Of course, it's also possible L.A. won't keep these selections, or it might use them to acquire even more. The way the rumor mill is spinning lately, it's hard to keep up with all of the latest buzz.

The Lakers have explored moving down the board, "especially with teams that have multiple picks," per ESPN's Jonathan Givony. They've also weighed combining the No. 17 pick with Mo Bamba or Malik Beasley to land "a starting-level upgrade," per The Athletic's Jovan Buha.

L.A. is keeping its options open, but if it stands pat at No. 17, it will have some intriguing options on the board. Draft experts have often connected this club with some of the top shooters in this draft, including UConn's Jordan Hawkins (mocked by B/R's Jonathan Wasserman) and Michigan's Jett Howard (via The Athletic's Sam Vecenie).

Free Agency

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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 19: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

With only three players holding guaranteed contracts for next season—James, Anthony Davis and Max Christie—the Lakers have the financial flexibility to add players in free agency if they choose.

At point guard alone, they could go any number of directions. The simplest path would be bringing back both D'Angelo Russell and Dennis Schröder. Perhaps the most intriguing would be a sign-and-trade deal for Kyrie Irving or Fred VanVleet. The most beneficial might be signing Chris Paul for cheap if he's waived.

In-house, the Lakers have a lot to handle, starting with the restricted free agencies of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. Just about every plugged-in reporter expects L.A. to match anything the former signs, and most assume the team would also match anything within reason for the latter.

Expect someone to test those commitments, though. If the Lakers are focused on finding external free agents when the market opens, other teams can prioritize Reaves and Hachimura and try signing them offer sheets that would be tricky for L.A. to match.

That could mean everything from offering the most money they can to putting in player options, trade kickers and other team unfriendly terms.

Predictions

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 22, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Lakers could go a million different directions this summer, which doesn't make life easy in the prognosticating business. But we're breaking out our crystal ball and taking a peak anyway.

Starting with the draft, it's more likely L.A. trades down for more picks than it is the team flips a pick and a player for an established veteran. Teams need all of the cost-controlled talent they can get under the new collective bargaining agreement, and the Lakers have a general need for youth and upside.

Most likely, L.A. stays put and adds a top-shelf shooter. If Hawkins is still on the board, he would be our pick.

While there are few certainties with this club—raise your hand if you planned on discussing James' possible retirement this summer—Reaves' return feels like a lock. Hachimura coming back isn't quite cemented, but it's likely enough for him to be written into next season's rotation in ballpoint pen.

Beyond that, none of the other free agents are automatic keepers. If the Lakers keep Russell, that likely means his market was weaker than expected or they struck out on their other point guard targets.

While no point guard would be a wise bet over the field, if forced to pick one, we'd go with Paul. If he gets to free agency, he and the Lakers seem perfect for one another.