5 Biggest needs LA Lakers must address in the 2021 NBA offseason

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#3 LA Lakers need to figure out their big man rotation

Los Angeles Lakers v Phoenix Suns - Game One

When the LA Lakers moved on from JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard, they acquired Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell as their new big man pairing last offseason. It looked like a great deal for the team as Gasol would play as a stretch five and also provide rim protection, while Harrell could provide a solid scoring punch off the bench while operating beneath the rim.

However, both players failed to suit the style of the LA Lakers as Gasol wasn't able to match the athleticism and speed of opposition bigs, while Harrell found it difficult to match up against his counterparts who had a bigger frame. With Anthony Davis struggling with injuries, the Lakers did not have a reliable rim protector, which proved to be a huge weak link in their defense.

The Lakers had to add Andre Drummond mid-season as a result, but he did not deliver to his potential either. Drummond did not play with LeBron and Davis as much, as the trio struggled to dominate opponents when on the court together.

Drummond clogged the paint quite often, which restricted Anthony Davis and LeBron James from being able to attack the rim. His defense didn't inspire confidence either.

Gasol is on an expiring deal next season and rumors suggest he could be heading home to Spain to play out the rest of his professional career. Meanwhile, Harrell has a player option and this offseason. If he opts in, the Lakers will try to use him in trade talks and potentially ship him away in a sign-and-trade deal.

The LA Lakers have Anthony Davis in their ranks, a proven performer at center. They could either look to let him play most of his minutes there or acquire a traditional center to maintain the size advantage they have used in the last two seasons.

A stretch five would also do, but should also be able to provide cover as a rim protector, something the Lakers will need whenever Davis is off the floor.

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#2 Kyle Kuzma's future

Los Angeles Lakers v Charlotte Hornets

Kyle Kuzma failed to fill in as the team's third star, behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis last season. Kuzma did not have a specific role to play and struggled to deliver consistently for the side. He is one of their best tradeable assets this summer and could be on the move.

He did improve various aspects of his game, though, like his rebounding and defense, which makes one think he could prosper in his fifth year and play to his potential if given a more consistent role.

Kuzma also showed glimpses of being a reliable player in the absence of Davis and LeBron, putting up multiple 20-point games. The LA Lakers will have to weigh in on the pros and cons of parting ways with him. If they are to trade Kuzma, they will have to be wise with their transaction as he is one of their few intriguing tradeable assets.

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#1 Aggressively pursue a third star

DeMar DeRozan is on the LA Lakers' radar

The LA Lakers desperately need a third-star in their ranks who can complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis next season. James will be playing his 18th season next year, while Davis has a long injury history, making it a very important need the Lakers will have to address.

They need a reliable player who can deliver in the absence of the two stars in case they endure another injury-riddled campaign. The Lakers have limited resources, but if used wisely, they can add a third star to their ranks.

The Lakers have been linked with multiple All-Star caliber players like DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry recently and should be aggressive in their efforts to provide LeBron and AD with some help.