The Los Angeles Lakers have seemingly completed their roster after signing Kobe Bufkin to a two-year deal. The move is somewhat surprising, as there isn’t a clear path for Bufkin to receive significant minutes in the rotation, especially when the spot could have been used on a buyout option. Still, there is a way for the Lakers to add another player by cutting someone currently on the roster.
“The final technical path would be waiving a two-way contract. Players like Chris Manon or Nick Smith Jr. could be released to reopen a roster slot. This is the only realistic mechanism left that does not involve long-term financial pain, but it also limits the Lakers to minimum contract options,” Fadeaway World’s Vishwesha Kumar wrote.
The Lakers do have some appealing names on the market, and one player to keep an eye on is Haywood Highsmith.
“The Lakers sorely need 3-and-D wings and Haywood Highsmith might be the best available. He can defend multiple positions and having been with the Miami Heat for the last four seasons there is no doubt that he will be in great condition and play hard every second he is on the court. Highsmith has also shot at least 38% from deep in each of the last two seasons and the Lakers are starved for real two-way wings. If there is a concern, it is that Highsmith has not played this season due to a torn meniscus, though he has already been playing 5-on-5 scrimmages and is nearly ready to return. Assuming health, he likely checks the most boxes for what the Lakers need on this roster,” Lakers Nation’s Corey Hansford wrote.
The Lakers are focused on building around Luka Dončić to win a championship — after all, that’s exactly what the superstar wants.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
Highsmith would bring scoring off the bench and provide exactly what the Lakers need. While signing Bufkin was a questionable move, Los Angeles can still make this work.
Highsmith to LA would make a lot of sense and would give the Lakers a strong bench option when needed. Being the best available player at their biggest position of need should be all the front office needs to see to get him in a Lakers uniform.