The Los Angeles Lakers are now prioritizing improving their point of attack defense and may create a roster spot by waiving Shake Milton.
After adding center Deandre Ayton and wing Jake LaRavia this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers are now looking to improve their point of attack defense, according to Dan Woike and Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
Free throws this season
Los Angeles Lakers
NBA
"The Lakers have additional roster work to do. The team can create a roster spot by waiving guard Shake Milton, and team sources have said that improving the team's point of attack defense is a priority," Woike and Vardon reported.
The Lakers have currently filled all 15 roster spots after re-signing backup center Jaxson Hayes. However, they must decide by July 20 whether to guarantee Milton's $3 million contract, following his modest contributions last season.
In 2024-25, the 28-year-old Milton averaged 5.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while splitting time between Brooklyn and Los Angeles. He joined the Lakers in December 2024 as part of the D'Angelo Russell trade.
In the offseason, the LA Lakers also lost Dorian Finney-Smith, who signed with the Houston Rockets.
15 roster spots:
Point guards: Luka Doncic, Gabe Vincent, Bronny James
Shooting guards: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Jordan Goodwin, Shake Milton
Small forwards: Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Abou Thiero
Power forwards: LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt
Centers: Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber
Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.