NBA rumors: Lakers reportedly considering roster move to boost key aspect of their game

The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to seriously compete in the 2024–25 NBA season, aiming to improve upon last year’s performance. They’ve already completed some trades, but they may still look to add pieces to their roster to address key needs—even if that means letting go of a player.

“Team sources have said that improving the team’s point of attack defense is a priority,” reported Dan Woike and Joe Vardon of The Athletic, referring to concerns from head coach JJ Redick and Lakers management about areas the team must improve based on last season’s experience.

What remains unclear is whether this potential roster addition would result in a shake-up of the Lakers’ projected lineup for the 2025–26 season. With the arrival of Deandre Ayton, the expected starting five seemed fairly locked in: the center acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Rui Hachimura.

However, if upgrading the team’s point of attack defense is truly a top priority, it raises questions about how set the Lakers’ core lineup really is heading into the new season.

Shake Milton #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on January 05, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

The Lakers player who could be waived

As for what the franchise may be willing to sacrifice in order to acquire the missing piece, Woike and Vardon pointed to one name in particular. “The Lakers have additional roster work to do. The team can create a roster spot by waiving guard Shake Milton,” the Athletic reporters explained.

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Milton arrived in Los Angeles in late 2024 as part of the trade that brought Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Maxwell Lewis, D’Angelo Russell, and three future second-round draft picks. However, his role with the Lakers was minimal.

The 28-year-old guard appeared in just 30 regular-season games in the purple and gold, starting only once. In 11.5 minutes per game, he averaged 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. During the first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he played in four games, averaging 2.0 minutes per appearance and failed to score.

Players on the Lakers’ radar

Beyond this targeted search to boost their point of attack defense, the Lakers have been the subject of rumors linking them to several players in recent weeks. Bradley Beal was one of them, though all signs point to him joining the Clippers.

With those options fading, other shooting guards reportedly on the Lakers’ radar include De’Anthony Melton and Malcolm Brogdon. Additionally, 2024 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics Al Horford continues to be mentioned as a potential addition to Redick’s squad.