The Los Angeles Lakers should target Nickeil Alexander-Walker as he heads into free agency this offseason. The 6’5 wing may have priced himself out of Minnesota, especially with the Timberwolves needing to sort out new contracts for Julius Randle and Naz Reid. This is the Lakers' chance to hurt a rival and get an upgrade on the wing.
The Lakers must add a center, but that won’t be their only move. Dalton Knecht will be back on the trade block as LA looks to improve their depth and defense. Luka Doncic and LeBron James are an elite duo, but the Lakers need pieces around them to seriously contend in 2026.
Alexander-Walker has become a plus-shooter and defender in Minnesota. The 26-year-old is just entering his prime and averaging the most efficient numbers of his career. Fans have seen his impact in the playoffs, and NAW is knocking on the door of a larger role. The Lakers would love to add that talent, but there is one sticking point.
Lakers must find a way to target Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Los Angeles is just $4.3 million under the first tax apron for next season with only 11 players under contract. They must fill their roster and will face a significant financial crunch. Making any move has roadblocks, but adding a marquee free agent is even more complicated.
Alexander-Walker is projected to get in the range of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. The Lakers are currently over the tax. They could look to acquire NAW via a sign-and-trade, but that would hard-cap them at the first apron. There are avenues to get there like dumping Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent or LeBron James taking a discount, but it would take some cap gymnastics.
The Lakers' fatal flaw in the playoffs was on-ball defense and lack of shooting. They were fourth in 3-pointers attempted, but tenth out of 16 in 3-point percentage. LA was 12th in defensive rating as they couldn’t stop penetration and had zero rim protection to save them. There will be a new center, but the Lakers need a wing and athleticism upgrade like adding NAW.
There will be a robust market for Alexander-Walker in free agency. It is a weak class, and he is an ascending wing just entering his prime. Every contender wants another plus-shooter and defender with versatility. NAW will get close to the full non-tax MLE this offseason, and a contender will likely get creative to add him.
The Timberwolves will likely have to lose either Randle, Reid, or Alexander-Walker. Keeping all three would mean blowing past the second apron and dealing with the penalties that come with that. No franchise wants that long-term, which opens the door for some team to steal NAW.
The Los Angeles Lakers must improve their roster this offseason. LeBron James has been clamoring for moves since their championship year in 2020. Now, the franchise has a prime Luka Doncic. They cannot waste another moment. The Lakers must act now or risk upsetting their new superstar. That worry alone will create action, and fans should be excited. A new era of Lakers basketball is here. It could be special if the franchise makes the right moves. Only time will tell.