3 Players the Lakers Should Consider to Finalize Their Roster; May Need to Cut One Player
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) speaks with guard Jordan Goodwin (30) during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit:
The Los Angeles Lakers have already signed Alex Len from the buyout market but may continue strengthening their roster with additional full-time acquisitions.
To make room for former Sacramento Kings center Alex Len, the Lakers waived Christian Wood. Len became available after being cut by the Washington Wizards, having initially agreed to join the Indiana Pacers before that deal fell through. Now with the Lakers, he adds depth at center, helping them navigate the remainder of the season. With the team going 9-1 in their last 10 games and officially integrating Luka Doncic into the roster, the front office may still seek one final piece.
To do so, the Lakers would need to release another player, with Cam Reddish being the most likely candidate after returning to the team following the rescinded Mark Williams trade. But which players should the Lakers target for their last roster spot? Here are three potential options.
Jordan Goodwin
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) secures a rebound as Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Goodwin (30) contests during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jordan Goodwin is already part of the Lakers on a two-way contract, providing backup guard depth. In limited minutes, he has impressed, averaging 13.5 points and 6.0 rebounds over two games off the bench. A tenacious defender, he’s also showing promise offensively with his expanded skill set.
The Lakers have limited guard options, with starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading the rotation. Off the bench, only Gabe Vincent can be consistently relied upon, but he has struggled with offensive inconsistency. Shake Milton isn’t a viable option for a contending team, and while Dalton Knecht is listed as a guard, he isn’t a ball-handler.
Goodwin could be a valuable addition to the Lakers’ regular rotation, potentially outperforming Vincent. At 6’6” with strong defensive abilities, he could become a key contributor if his shooting remains reliable. Converting his two-way contract into a full-time deal later in the season could be a strategic move for the Lakers.
Markelle Fultz
Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (24) during the first half of Game 7 in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
If the Lakers are unsure about Goodwin filling their final roster spot, they could explore other guard options. Markelle Fultz has been a free agent all season and is eager to prove he can still contribute at the NBA level. Last season with the Orlando Magic, he averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
Fultz’s lack of shooting ability has likely kept him unsigned, but he remains a solid playmaker and secondary ball-handler with strong defensive instincts. As a backup for Luka Doncic, he could bring both playmaking and defensive value to the bench.
While his offensive consistency is a concern, Fultz has multiple ways to score. His versatility and talent have been overshadowed by shooting struggles, but given the right opportunity, he could be productive. If the Lakers are willing to take a low-risk chance, Fultz could be an intriguing addition to elevate their ceiling.
Marcus Morris Sr.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (24) takes a shot against Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) during the second quarter of Game 5 in the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Could there be a Morris twin reunion? Marcus Morris Sr. has been a free agent all season after spending 13 years in the NBA. At 35, he risks fading out of the league, but the Lakers could offer him one final opportunity to extend his career.
Last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Morris averaged 6.4 points and 2.7 rebounds, showing signs of decline. However, he still brings value as a 3-and-D forward or small-ball center. With his aggressive defense and floor-spacing ability, he could help alleviate the workload on the Lakers’ primary frontcourt rotation.
While he may not have the same impact as the other two options, Morris would provide toughness off the bench. He also has a long-standing rivalry with Luka Doncic, which could add extra intensity to team practices. A potential reunion with his twin brother, Markieff Morris, would be a great storyline, but it all depends on the Lakers seeing value in his experience.
Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James (23) stand on the court during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: