Lakers reportedly focused on acquiring a point of attack defender

While the Lakers have addressed their need for a center, there is still work to be done, such as acquiring an elite perimeter defender.

Los Angeles has accomplished their main goal of addressing the center situation this summer by signing Deandre Ayton. However, the Lakers were more than one big away from title contention last year.

With an aging LeBron James and a backcourt featuring Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, it was clear during their brief playoff run that perimeter defense needs improvement.

So far, President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka has been unable to bring in any reinforcements in that department. Yet, that doesn’t mean the Lakers are done making moves or ignoring a glaring deficiency on the roster.

According to an article from Dan Woike and Joe Vardon of The Athletic, the team is focused on addressing this issue.

The Lakers have additional roster work to do. The team can create a roster spot by waiving guard Shake Milton, and team sources have said that improving the team’s point of attack defense is a priority.

As Woike and Vardon have indicated, one of the easiest paths for the Lakers to create cap and roster space is by waiving Shake Milton.

Los Angeles has until July 20 to release Milton before his contract becomes guaranteed.

With Milton out, it would create an open spot and provide more money to sign a point-of-attack defender.

As far as unrestricted free agents go, there aren’t many options left. The Lakers could pursue players like Josh Okogie, Gary Trent Jr., or Gary Payton II.

The Hornets recently waived Okogie. He is a respectable wing who averaged 1.2 steals per game last season.

Trent Jr. was connected with the Lakers last offseason but ultimately signed with the Bucks. Now he's available again, and while he’s not the best defender, he could be a respectable option this deep into free agency.

Payton II was with the Lakers before and has spent the last three seasons with the Warriors. He has demonstrated the ability to give top effort as a defender in this league for nine years now.

With limited money, options, and the market drying up, the Lakers just need to focus on making incremental improvements where they can.

If they improve their perimeter defense in any way, then that’s a step in the right direction.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.