Lakers Eye Lonzo Ball as Buyout Market Heats Up
The Los Angeles Lakers have never been shy about working the buyout market, and with Lonzo Ball now headed for free agency after a short-lived stop in Utah, the franchise may be looking at a familiar face to fill a key need.
Ball was traded to the Jazz on Wednesday as Cleveland looked to shed his salary, sending him west in exchange for draft capital. Utah, not interested in keeping the veteran guard, is expected to buy him out - opening the door for a potential reunion in L.A.
For the Lakers, who’ve been quiet while other contenders made noise at the trade deadline, this could be a strategic move. They’ve kept their powder dry, preserving cap flexibility for the offseason when they plan to reshape the roster around Luka Doncic. But with an open roster spot and a defense in desperate need of reinforcements, a short-term addition like Ball could make a lot of sense.
Lonzo’s Road Back - and What He Still Brings
Let’s be clear: this isn’t the same Lonzo Ball who entered the league as the No. 2 overall pick back in 2017. Injuries - especially to his knees - have taken a toll on his athleticism and consistency.
But the good news? He’s finally healthy, and he’s been playing meaningful minutes this season.
In 35 games with the Cavaliers, Ball averaged 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in just over 20 minutes per game. The shooting numbers were rough - 30.1% from the field and 27.2% from deep - but the advanced metrics tell a more nuanced story. Ball still posted a positive value over replacement player and made a clear impact on the defensive end.
Cleveland’s defense improved by 2.7 points per 100 possessions with Ball on the floor, and the team posted a 112.7 defensive rating in those minutes. That’s not all Lonzo, but his high basketball IQ and instincts still make him a plus defender, even if the burst and lateral quickness aren’t what they once were.
A Fit for L.A.’s Defensive Needs
The Lakers rank 24th in defensive rating and have struggled mightily guarding the perimeter. That’s not a stat you want to see for a team hoping to make a deep playoff run. Ball, even at this stage in his career, offers something they sorely lack: a guard who can rotate, communicate, and at least hold his own defensively.
Offensively, the fit is a bit more complicated. Ball’s shooting has been inconsistent throughout his career, and this season’s numbers don’t inspire confidence.
But with Luka Doncic running the show, Ball wouldn’t be asked to carry a heavy scoring load. Instead, he’d be a secondary playmaker, a connector - someone who can keep the ball moving, hit the occasional open three, and make smart decisions in transition.
And that’s where things get interesting. Luka has a way of elevating those around him.
His gravity as a scorer and passer creates open looks that most players don’t see. Could that help Ball rediscover some of his offensive rhythm?
Maybe. It’s not a sure thing - not with his injury history and shooting struggles - but it’s not out of the question either.
Low-Risk, Potentially Useful Addition
This would be a rest-of-season rental. There’s virtually no downside for the Lakers.
If Ball contributes, great. If not, they move on in the summer, as expected.
The front office is focused on building a long-term core around Doncic, and Ball’s limitations as a shooter likely keep him from being part of that vision.
But in the short term? He checks a lot of boxes.
He’s available. He knows the city, the franchise, and the pressure that comes with wearing the purple and gold.
And he’s motivated - few things light a fire like being traded and bought out in the same week.
The Lakers are expected to fill that final roster spot with a veteran from the buyout market, not a two-way player. Ball, for all his recent struggles, is one of the most intriguing names available.
He may not be a game-changer, but he doesn’t have to be. L.A. just needs someone who can defend, move the ball, and give them quality minutes off the bench.
If Ball can do that - if he can bring even a spark of what he once was - the Lakers might just get a little boost for the stretch run. And for Lonzo, it’s a shot at redemption in the city where it all began.