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#3 Kent Bazemore
The LA Lakers struggled with scoring in the 2021 NBA playoffs, mainly because the role players were not efficient. Although Kent Bazemore is not one of the most prolific scorers, he delivers from three-point range when called upon.
After coming off a 40% 3-point shooting season with the Golden State Warriors, Bazemore agreed to sign for the LA Lakers in free agency. It was the best shooting season of Bazemore's career, and the Lakers will hope he can maintain his form when given the nod.
More importantly, the LA Lakers will cherish Bazemore's high-intensity defensive approach. His 7-foot wingspan and quick instincts will bother opposing scorers and perhaps lead to turnovers. Bazemore is proof that the Lakers have done a decent job in pursuing players who can deliver at a high degree on both ends of the court this offseason.
#2 Wayne Ellington
Wayne Ellington will return to Staples Center, but there is a great chance that he might be more successful this time. In his first stint with the LA Lakers during the 2014-15 season, they finished as the second-worst team in the West.
Ellington's addition is mainly to bolster the side's shooting, an area that played a part in the LA Lakers' early disqualification during the 2021 NBA playoffs. The 33-year-old seems to have found his range with the Detroit Pistons as he finished the 2020-21 season shooting 42.2% while attempting six shots per game.
With James or Russell Westbrook controlling proceedings, Ellington should have a field day knocking down open 3's from all areas of the court. Although he would likely be a liability on defense, it would not matter much if he fills his role properly on offense.
#1 Carmelo Anthony
The LA Lakers were in dire need of a player that could produce in a situation where James and/or Davis are absent. To that effect, they closed a deal with one of the best scorers in league history.
Carmelo Anthony occupies the No. 10 spot on the NBA's all-time points leaders list and is one of two active players in the top ten. His role with the LA Lakers will be to keep the offense running when the starters are rested, an area he excelled at for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2020-21 season.
Guarding Anthony will continually be a horrifying job as he will be too much for one defender. His decent court vision should also keep the defense honest.
