Lakers' Best Free-Agent Options After Failing to Make a Trade at NBA Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers didn't make any moves ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline, choosing to keep their roster intact and maintain flexibility heading into the offseason.

It was an interesting move for a 27-25 team that was regularly mentioned in trade rumors, though the hope will be that the team would find more of a rhythm in the second half of the season and make another playoff push like they did during last year's run to the Western Conference Finals.

That doesn't mean the Lakers don't have avenues to improve their team, however. The buyout market remains a distinct possibility.

The top player already linked to the team in that regard is Spencer Dinwiddie, with multiple reports suggesting he was the apple of the team's eye among the buyout options.

Dinwiddie, 30, would give the Lakers another solid scoring option off the bench and round out a solid guard rotation of D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent (once the latter returns from injury).

He hasn't had his best season, averaging just 12.6 points per game while shooting 39.1 percent from the field and 32 percent from three. But his ability to get buckets will make him a popular option on the buyout market, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Lakers pursue him.

Another option in that regard could be the 37-year-old Kyle Lowry if he becomes available. Lowry is past his prime at this juncture of his career but in a reserve role could still potentially offer solid, if limited, minutes as a facilitator and perimeter shooter.

Add in his championship experience, and it wouldn't be a shock if the Lakers gave him a call.

The Lakers have pretty good depth at forward, where LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince and Jarred Vanderbilt all can provide quality minutes when healthy.

But if they choose to further bolster those options, Marcus Morris Sr. could be an interesting target. He only averaged 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in 37 contests with the Philadelphia 76ers this season, but his ability to get a bucket or pull down a tough rebound—and even potentially play as a small-ball 5 on occasion—makes him a solid depth option.

Finally, Victor Oladipo could be an option if other signings don't materialize. He remains a more effective scorer than the 34-year-old Morris, averaging 10.7 points per game this year, is younger (31) and played well for the Miami Heat in the postseason, averaging 11.5 points in the two games he appeared in the team's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks before tearing his patellar tendon.

Injuries are always a concern with Oladipo, but he's a low-risk addition on the buyout market and would only be handling a limited role off the bench. Having players who can serve as instant infusions of offense in the second unit is never a terrible idea.