Top 5 free agents LA Lakers can target this summer to fortify lineup around Luka Doncic for title push

The LA Lakers' season ended sooner than expected with a 4-1 series loss versus the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. LA was widely expected to make a significant playoff push after making a blockbuster trade for superstar point guard Luka Doncic at the trade deadline.

The Lakers were immensely fatigued down the stretch of the series, due in large part to a shortened rotation amid inconsistent play from their reserves. Looking to fortify their roster around their star pairing of Doncic and LeBron James, who will likely return for his 23rd NBA season, LA is expected to be one of the offseason's biggest buyers.

With James set to turn 41 in 2025-26, the Lakers will look to maximize their title window while their star tandem is intact. Here are five upcoming free agents the LA Lakers could target entering Doncic's second season in the LA Lakers.

Top 5 free agents the LA Lakers could target this summer

1. Steven Adams, C

NBA: Playoffs-Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors - Source: Imagn

For the Lakers to land a difference-maker in free agency, they'll have some work to do in the early parts of the summer. The LA Lakers are handcuffed to some unattractive contracts, including those of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber. LA can cut some cap space to open up their Mid-Level Exception and target a big man, which is a glaring need for JJ Redick's squad.

Steven Adams could be the perfect addition for LA as a consistent presence in the post. Adams' two-year, $25.2 million deal is set to expire and should be in the ballpark for a similar deal this offseason. Since returning from his season-ending knee surgery, Adams has carved out a consistent bench role on the Houston Rockets.

In 58 games, Adams averaged 3.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, shooting 54.5% from the floor. He has elevated his numbers to 6.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in the postseason, performing at a high level in an expanded role off Houston's bench.

2. Brook Lopez, C

NBA: Playoffs-Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers - Source: Imagn

If not for rumors of Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential exit, Brook Lopez may not be a feasible option for LA. The Lakers should do everything they can to enter the Lopez sweepstakes. The Bucks veteran big man is expected to have a solid market among playoff contenders entering unrestricted free agency, but could land in LA if the front office can manage to clear up some cap space.

Lopez would have an equally impactful role on JJ Redick's team, as an immediate force in the post on each side of the ball with the ability to stretch the floor offensively. Redick may prefer Lopez over Adams, given his offensive versatility, but the Lakers may have to open their wallets a bit wider to bring in Lopez.

Brook Lopez started 80 games for the Bucks this season, shooting efficient percentages of 50.9% from the floor and 37.3% from beyond the arc.

3. Tim Hardaway Jr., SF

NBA: Playoffs-New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons - Source: Imagn

Outside of depth in the interior, LA's second-largest need is arguably scoring from the wing. Defensively, the LA Lakers boast one of the best rotations of defensive-minded wings in the league, but Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith are all inconsistent offensively, something that could be remedied with a player like Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hardaway Jr. has adjusted solidly in his first season in JB Bickerstaff's system, but could perform at an even higher level under JJ Redick. Redick's Lakers ranked 15th in 3-pointers and 19th in 3-point percentage this season, something that Hardaway could help improve. In 77 games this season, Tim Hardaway Jr. shot nearly 37% on 5.9 3-pointers per game.

Given LA's need for scoring help from the wing, Hardaway could be a realistic option for the front office's budget in free agency.

4. Caris LeVert, SG

NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Philadelphia 76ers - Source: Imagn

Gauging LA's roster makeup, Caris LeVert could be a home-run addition to the Lakers' bench entering the 2025-26 campaign. This season, LeVert helped lead two of the top reserve units in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks. Following LA's playoff exit, the front office could be looking to add a presence like LeVert to their bench to help bolster a lackluster second unit.

LeVert closed the season averaging 14.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 26 games, shooting 48.2% from the field and 33.8% from 3-point range. Adding the ninth-year guard in free agency could be a bench-altering move for the Lakers next season.

5. Clint Capela, C

NBA: Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks - Source: Imagn

The Clint Capela-to-LA smoke has given fans little fire over the past few seasons. This offseason feels like the most realistic situation for Capela's potential future with LA. The 11th-year big man's role has dwindled increasingly over his five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, and he is set to enter unrestricted free agency.

Capela played in his fewest minutes per game since his second season in the NBA in 2024-25, averaging just under 22 minutes per game. Despite a reduced role, he was effective in his time on the court for the Hawks, averaging 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds in 55 games. Capela's price tag should fit LA's budget this offseason and could be an ideal option to fill their need down low.