Lakers Land Luke Kennard, Eye Buyout Market for Final Roster Boost
As the NBA trade deadline came and went, the Los Angeles Lakers made a quiet but calculated move, acquiring sharpshooter Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick. Both players are on expiring contracts, which means L.A. preserved its financial flexibility heading into a pivotal summer. And with Kennard’s slightly lower salary than Vincent’s, the Lakers now have a little more room to maneuver on the buyout market - and an open roster spot to use.
This is familiar territory for the Lakers. In recent years, they’ve dipped into the buyout pool with mixed results - think Markieff Morris, Andre Drummond, Spencer Dinwiddie.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But with a roster still looking for that extra edge, especially on the bench, expect the Lakers to be active in exploring one more addition.
They could go internal. Drew Timme, currently on a two-way deal, has impressed with his energy and skill in limited minutes.
Kobe Bufkin, recently signed to a 10-day contract, has been lighting it up in the G League. But if the Lakers are looking for a more proven contributor or a specific skill set, there are a few intriguing names on the market worth watching.
Let’s break down some of the top options who could help this team down the stretch.
Cam Thomas: Instant Offense, Question Marks Elsewhere
If the Lakers want pure scoring off the bench, Cam Thomas is the kind of player who can heat up in a hurry. He’s averaged 15.2 points per game over his career and has shown the ability to take over stretches as a microwave scorer. That’s something this Lakers bench sorely lacks - they rank near the bottom of the league in bench points per game.
But Thomas is a one-dimensional weapon. He’s never been known for his defense or playmaking, and he hasn’t produced those scoring numbers in a winning environment. Still, for a team in need of offensive punch, his scoring instincts could be a real asset - especially if the Lakers are willing to live with the trade-offs.
Haywood Highsmith: The 3-and-D Wing L.A. Needs
If you’re looking for fit, Haywood Highsmith might be the best match for what the Lakers need right now. A versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, Highsmith brings toughness, hustle, and the kind of defensive mindset that’s been a hallmark of the Miami Heat system over the past four seasons.
He’s also shot at least 38% from three in each of the last two seasons - a number that jumps out for a Lakers team that’s been inconsistent from deep. The catch?
Highsmith hasn’t played this season due to a torn meniscus. But he’s reportedly back in 5-on-5 scrimmages and nearing a return.
If healthy, he checks a lot of boxes: wing depth, perimeter defense, floor spacing. That’s a combination the Lakers have been chasing all year.
Lonzo Ball: A Familiar Face with a High Basketball IQ
Lonzo Ball hasn’t played in two years due to knee injuries, and he’s not the same explosive athlete he once was. But if he’s healthy enough to contribute, he brings a skill set that could quietly elevate this Lakers team.
He’s a smart, unselfish guard who moves the ball, defends multiple positions, and brings a calm presence to the floor. The Lakers have struggled with perimeter defense all season, and Ball - even at less than full strength - still has the instincts and length to help in that department. If he can regain even a semblance of his shooting form from previous seasons, he’d be a sneaky-good addition.
Chris Boucher: Stretch Big with Defensive Upside
Chris Boucher is the kind of big who can swing a game when he’s locked in - a shot-blocker with range who plays with energy and effort. He hasn’t quite found his rhythm this season, but sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes.
He’s not a bruiser in the paint, but Boucher could give the Lakers a different look in certain matchups. His ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor could be valuable in small-ball lineups or when Anthony Davis needs a breather. He’s a bit of a roll of the dice, but the upside is there.
Matisse Thybulle: Defensive Specialist on Watch
This one’s still a maybe. Matisse Thybulle hasn’t officially hit the buyout market yet, but if he does, he’d immediately become the best perimeter defender available - and a natural fit for the Lakers’ biggest need.
Thybulle is an elite on-ball defender with quick hands and disruptive instincts. He’s not much of a shooter, but the Lakers have long admired his defensive ability and could offer him a bigger role than other contenders. If he becomes available, expect L.A. to be in the mix.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror and one roster spot left to fill, the Lakers are in a familiar position: hunting for that one piece that could make a difference. Whether they go with a scoring spark like Cam Thomas, a defensive stopper like Thybulle or Highsmith, or a high-IQ playmaker like Ball, it’s clear the front office is still looking for ways to round out this roster.
The Kennard trade was a smart, low-risk move. Now comes the next step - finding the right fit to help this team make a real push in the second half of the season.