Rob Pelinka
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Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka during a press conference in June 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers addressed one clear need ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, landing a much-needed shooting boost on the wing.
In a deal with the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick.
While Kennard doesn’t quite match the profile of a young, two-way 3-and-D wing that general manager Rob Pelinka was widely believed to be chasing, his impact is undeniable.
The 29-year-old is shooting a career-best 49.7% from three-point range this season, immediately raising the Lakers’ floor as a perimeter shooting team.
Still, the front office’s work may not be finished just yet.
Lakers Turn Attention to Buyout Market
With the trade window now closed, Los Angeles’ focus could shift towards the buyout market as a potential avenue to further bolster the roster, particularly with one open roster spot still available.
Several recognizable names have been floated as possible fits in recent days, including Lonzo Ball, Mike Conley Jr., and Cam Thomas. However, another option has quickly emerged.
The Brooklyn Nets waived forward Haywood Highsmith prior to the deadline, and according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, he is “drawing interest from several playoff teams.”
Given the Lakers’ long-standing pursuit of wing help, it’s reasonable to assume they could be among that group.
Unlike the trade market, the buyout window presents a low-risk opportunity to address lingering roster needs without sacrificing assets.
Silver Screen and Roll’s Edwin Garcia believes Highsmith fits what Los Angeles has been searching for.
“After being traded to the Nets last offseason, Highsmith underwent surgery on his knee, suffered a setback and has not played yet this season,” Garcia wrote. “The Nets eventually waived him on Thursday morning. He is reportedly playing 5-on-5 basketball again and is drawing interest from teams.”
“Last season as a member of the Heat, He averaged 6.5 points and shot 38% from 3-point range. It’s rare to get shooting that good via the buyout market, making Highsmith a compelling option…if he’s healthy.”
A Low-Risk Fit With Upside
Across 218 career NBA games, including 80 starts, Highsmith has averaged 5.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 44.9% from the field.
Though he has yet to appear this season, he is reportedly now healthy and his recent shooting history is encouraging. He converted 38.2% from three last year and 39.6% the season before.
Even a modest return to that level would help a Lakers team currently ranked 21st in three-point shooting at 33.9% and last in bench scoring at just 28.0 points per game.
Beyond the numbers, Highsmith’s defensive value has long stood out. Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra once described him as “a great defender, Swiss Army Knife guy, winning player, fills in a bunch of different gaps, knows how to play a role.”
That versatility, combined with a seven-foot wingspan, could immediately address one of Los Angeles’ most glaring weaknesses, defensive consistency on the wing.
Financially, the Lakers’ cautious approach at the deadline was tied to a bigger picture. With more than $55 million in projected cap space this summer, the front office appeared reluctant to absorb multi-year contracts that could limit flexibility.
A buyout scenario changes that calculation. Highsmith would come on a short-term deal, preserving future cap room while offering immediate upside. It would be a classic low-risk, high-reward swing.
With LeBron James widely expected to come off the books and significant financial flexibility on the horizon, the Lakers appear to be positioning themselves for a clean summer reset, one centered on re-signing Austin Reaves and continuing to build around Luka Doncic.
Adding a player like Highsmith now could quietly help maximize the Lakers’ current campaign while keeping their broader strategy intact.