The Los Angeles Lakers are in a delicate spot - one eye on the future, the other on salvaging the present. And while the headlines may be dominated by splashier trade targets, there’s a name quietly floating under the radar that makes a whole lot of sense for L.A.: Ochai Agbaji.
Yes, that Ochai Agbaji - the 25-year-old wing currently stuck in neutral up in Toronto. It’s been a rough 2025-26 season for the former lottery pick.
His minutes are down, his shot has gone cold, and he’s clearly not a snug fit in the Raptors’ current rotation. But if you zoom out just a bit, there’s still a lot to like about what Agbaji brings to the table - especially for a Lakers team trying to thread the needle between staying competitive and building for what comes next.
A Buy-Low Opportunity With Real Upside
Agbaji is in the final year of his rookie deal, making a manageable $6.38 million this season. That figure not only makes him an easy fit into most trade scenarios, but it also means the Lakers could potentially acquire him without coughing up a draft pick or a key rotation player. For a front office that’s been fiercely protective of its future assets, that’s a compelling proposition.
And let’s be honest - the Lakers need more youth, more athleticism, and more two-way potential. Agbaji checks all three boxes. He’s not just a warm body on the wing; he’s a player who, as recently as last season, looked like one of the league’s better emerging 3-and-D options.
In 2024-25, he averaged 10.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 threes per game while shooting just under 40% from deep. That’s not just solid - that’s starter-level production on a playoff-caliber team.
And the advanced metrics back it up. According to Basketball Index, Agbaji ranked in the 99th percentile in off-ball chaser defense, 94th percentile in isolation defense, and 90th percentile in navigating ball screens.
Those are elite defensive numbers, especially for a young player still finding his offensive footing.
The Defense Hasn’t Gone Anywhere
Even with his offensive struggles this season - he’s shooting just 18.8% from three - Agbaji’s effort on the defensive end hasn’t wavered. He’s still grading out in the 92nd percentile in isolation defense, which says a lot about his motor and commitment. That’s the kind of defensive intensity the Lakers could desperately use on the perimeter, where they’ve been vulnerable all year.
And while the shooting slump is real, it’s worth noting that Agbaji has hit at least 35.5% from deep in two of his first three seasons. That kind of track record suggests this year might be more of an outlier than a trend. For a team that can afford to take a swing on upside, this is the kind of bet you want to make.
A Smart Fit for the Lakers' Timeline
The Lakers are inching closer to having real cap space for the first time in years. That flexibility is precious, and any move they make now has to protect it.
Agbaji fits that mold perfectly. His expiring contract gives the Lakers the right to match any offer he receives in restricted free agency this summer - meaning they’re not locked into anything unless they want to be.
It’s a low-risk, high-upside play. If he regains his form, you’ve added a valuable young wing to your core. If not, you’ve preserved your cap sheet and move on without any long-term damage.
A Potential Change-of-Scenery Swap?
There’s even a potential framework that could work for both sides: a change-of-scenery deal. Something like Agbaji to L.A. in exchange for Dalton Knecht, who’s also looking for a more defined role. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s the kind of mutually beneficial trade that gives both players a fresh start and both teams a chance to recalibrate.
Final Thought
The Lakers don’t need to swing for the fences at every turn. Sometimes, the best moves are the ones that quietly set you up for long-term success without compromising the present. Agbaji isn’t a headline-grabber, but he’s exactly the kind of player a smart front office targets: young, affordable, and hungry to prove himself.
If L.A. can get him without giving up a pick or a key piece, it’s a move that makes too much sense not to explore.