The Los Angeles Lakers are keeping their foot on the gas as the NBA buyout market heats up, with eyes reportedly on two intriguing names: Cam Thomas and Haywood Highsmith. According to league sources, both players are on the Lakers’ radar following their release from the Brooklyn Nets, and there’s real interest-especially if the medical boxes check out.
Highsmith, a versatile wing defender, is still recovering from knee surgery, so any potential signing hinges on his health. But if he’s good to go, the Lakers see him as a potential depth piece who could give them defensive flexibility on the perimeter-something they’ve lacked at times this season.
Then there’s Cam Thomas, a more polarizing option. He’s a pure bucket-getter, averaging 15.6 points per game this season.
His scoring instincts are undeniable. The question is fit-can he thrive in a system that already features LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a slew of ball-dominant guards?
That’s what the Lakers’ front office is weighing right now. But if they believe Thomas can buy into a role and provide instant offense off the bench, he could be a sneaky addition down the stretch.
The Lakers were relatively quiet at the trade deadline, making just one move: sending Gabe Vincent to Atlanta in exchange for sharpshooter Luke Kennard. That deal was less about making a splash and more about fine-tuning the roster while keeping their bigger chips intact.
And those bigger chips? They’re being saved for a potential offseason swing at the fences.
The Lakers are reportedly planning a run at Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. They’ve got the draft capital-up to three first-round picks-and the cap flexibility to make a serious offer.
Importantly, they’d be able to take on Giannis' contract without forcing Milwaukee to absorb any undesirable salary, which could be a major selling point if the Bucks decide it’s time to explore trade options.
Of course, that’s all contingent on a number of variables, including LeBron James’ future. The four-time MVP is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason-the first time he’s hit the open market since 2018.
Whether he chooses to re-sign, explore other options, or even walk away from the game remains to be seen. But his decision will undoubtedly shape the Lakers’ next move.
The front office also has to navigate Austin Reaves’ upcoming free agency. The rising guard is expected to decline his player option and test the market, but there’s optimism within the organization that a new deal will get done. Reaves has become a key piece of the team’s identity, and the Lakers aren’t looking to let him walk without a fight.
As things stand, the Lakers are sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference-firmly in the mix but still looking for that extra gear. Whether it’s a buyout addition like Thomas or Highsmith, or a blockbuster move this summer, the Lakers are clearly thinking beyond just this season.
They’re building toward something bigger. And if everything breaks right, that something could include a new superstar in purple and gold.