In-depth analysis: After the Lakers were eliminated, the four major NBA free agent goals in the 2025 offseason

The Lakers can try to solve some pressing roster issues by signing NBA free agents.

After the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves early in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Lakers obviously faced urgent demand in lineups. At a media meeting after the playoff knockout game, Lakers general manager Robert Pelinka promised to address these needs during the offseason. With the NBA free agent market opening in the next few months, the Lakers may be able to solve some roster problems.

It is worth noting that the Lakers' movement in the free agent market may be limited. They may not have enough funds to create a sensation. This depends largely on LeBron James' decision. The Lakers star could choose to jump out of the contract like last offseason and re-sign with a contract that might be good for the team, provided the management really wants to improve the roster.

It is also worth noting that players like Miles Turner are nothing more than daydreams. Lakers fans have always been enthusiastic about the Indiana Pacers big man, who is about to enter the unrestricted free agent market. But the Lakers are not able to sign him at the moment.

If James signs, the Lakers' spending on the free agent market will be very limited. In addition to James, there is also the problem with Dorian Finney-Smith, who also has player options next season. Considering his coming return, the Lakers really don't have much room to pursue free agents. Even so, there are still some players who can sign at a price that the Lakers can accept.

1) ​​The Lakers chase NBA free agent Clint Capela

The first place on this list is Clint Capela, who is about to become an unrestricted free agent. The veteran with 11 years of experience has spent his entire career so far with the Atlanta Hawks, but it seems he is nearing the end of his career as the team is prioritized by other teams.

Money may be an important factor in whether the Lakers can actually sign him. If the price is right and the Lakers have enough free agent exceptions to sign him, they should definitely consider it.

Capela's role has gradually decreased over the past few seasons as the Hawks prioritized the development of center Oneca Okongu. But he remains a capable all-in-one threat, perfect for partnering with Luca Doncic, and he can help the Lakers make up for the rebounding dilemma that has emerged in the face of the more powerful Timberwolves.

Last season, he played in 55 games, including 41 starting games, and averaged just over 21 minutes of playing time. He averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. His shooting percentage is as high as 55.9%, and he averages about 7 shots per game. Maybe he is no longer a starting center, but he can undoubtedly help the team strengthen the bench.

2) The Lakers chased Steven Adams

Steven Adams is certainly no longer the starting center in the NBA, but he is still a good backup and has always been a powerful veteran leader for the young Houston Rockets. And, he will definitely be traded at a reasonable free agent price for the Lakers.

Before the Lakers traded Anthony Davis, the depth of the frontcourt was already a problem. The issue became even more prominent after Davis left, especially in Game 5 elimination, where Rudy Gobert completely suppressed them in the interior. Adams can help fight teams with larger sizes.

He still has a strong physique in the inside and a strong presence on the defensive end. He can also finish the game at the basket, which is crucial when pairing with Doncic. In five games in the playoffs this season, Adams averaged 4.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of up to 58.3%.

3) The Lakers chase NBA free agent Kevin Rooney

Another unrestricted free agent, Kevin Rooney, has also gradually weakened his role in the Golden State Warriors. He is likely to be sold at an acceptable price for the Lakers. Rooney was also a substitute at this stage of his career, but insufficient lineup depth is one of the problems facing the Lakers.

In the Warriors' playoff series against the Rockets, Looney's playing time was reduced compared to the regular season. He is also slightly short in the center position, similar to Jared Vanderbilt, who has been in the fifth position due to the Lakers' lineup adjustment.

If the Lakers want a more traditional center, then Looney may not be the best choice. Although he always plays bigger than he is, he is still a great rebounder and defender. In the regular season, he averaged about 15 minutes of playing time, but he could grab 6.1 rebounds. He may not be the best option, but it is worth considering.

4) The Lakers renewed Jackson Hayes in the NBA free agent market

after the Lakers' playoff series against the Timberwolves, it may not be a common view of fans. But in fact, as long as Hayes can come on as a substitute, he may be a good choice. After trading Davis, the Lakers lacked a real starting center, and Hayes basically entered the starting lineup by default.

Although the regular season covers some of Hayes' shortcomings, the playoff performance highlights this point even more, indicating that he may not be the starting center in the NBA. But his strengths can still help the team. He is an all-time threat, he is full of energy on both the rebounding and the defensive end and is tall. In the free agent market, there are not many people in the No. 5 position who are more suitable for substitutes than Hayes.

Hayes averaged 4.8 rebounds and 72.2% shooting percentage. But whether Hayes is willing to return to the Lakers is still a question. No NBA player wants to be placed on the bench or his role is weakened. The Lakers could have been worse at the bench center position if he wanted to.