After the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, LA will look to add some reinforcements this offseason.
The Lakers' biggest priority will be to add some big man help, whether through free agency or trade. The Timberwolves consistently picked on the Lakers' holes in their frontcourt, which factored into how they pulled off the gentleman's sweep. However, adding more perimeter help is also a priority.
This offseason, plenty of valuable players will hit the market, and because there's not much available money, they can potentially be had for cheaper than their numbers would project.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9)
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Among these players is Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker. For that, it's not a pipe dream that Alexander-Walker could be a Laker next year. In fact, the Lakers are actually favored to land him if he does not stay in Minnesota.
Bovada revealed that the Lakers have the highest odds of adding Alexander-Walker, but only if he doesn't stay with the Timberwolves. Behind them are the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors.
Before finding his niche with the Timberwolves, Alexander-Walker started his career with the New Orleans Pelicans. He then played for the Utah Jazz and was technically also on the Portland Trail Blazers, but he had never played a game for them.
During the 2024-25 season, Alexander-Walker played all 82 games for the Timberwolves, averaging 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 43.8% from the field and 38.1% from three. He has played in every single Timberwolves game since joining them in 2023.