A crashout in the first round for the Los Angeles Lakers indicated strongly the need to revamp their roster. Playing small ball for the entire series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Purple and Gold’s greatly improved regular-season defense couldn’t maintain its standards. The paint was left wide open, missing the element Anthony Davis brought to the team. But it’s a new era where Luka Doncic is seen as the future keystone. And the most obvious improvement the Lakers can make is to add the interior threat he has desired.

They tried to do so during the trade deadline with the Hornets’ Mark Williams. But that fell apart due to a failed physical. To make matters worse, their star rookie Dalton Knecht barely featured in the postseason. There might be some regret for Pelinka for not going through with the trade. But according to Bobby Marks, an “aggressive” offseason is in the books for the Lakers.

With that comes a sacrifice. And if the situation is right, Jeanie Buss could repeat what she did with Anthony Davis, with Austin Reaves. AR15 had a fantastic season which saw him stake himself as a genuine superstar, averaging 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game. However, more so, Buss herself is a huge fan. “The way he plays the game, fights for every ball, sacrifices his body, when you see somebody like that, you can’t help but get drawn in and cheer for them,” she had told ESPN, before claiming that the Lakers were lucky to have him.

And although Austin Reaves is a fan favorite, the allure of the Greek Freak may prove for too tempting. Giannis Antetokounmpo looks unsettled in Milwaukee, and the Lakers have a thirst for the best players. After their loss to the Indiana Pacers in the first round, reports emerged about Antetokounmpo meeting with the Bucks’ top brass to discuss his future. With Damian Lillard injured and the Bucks’ potential to upgrade being slim, Antetokounmpo could be open to exploring other options. The Lakers are a big market team, have one of the best players, and give the Greek Freak what he wants, a genuine chance to contend for the NBA title.

Of course, he wouldn’t come cheap. But with the promise that Austin Reaves has shown, if the Bucks look for a rebuild, he could be a solid piece to build around. The undrafted gaurd averaged career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists under JJ Redick. Furthermore, his head coach is extremely pleased with the competitive fire he brings every night.

Parting ways with Reaves would be hard. However, he could also have good reason. After next season, the young guard could enter free agency. If he re-signs with the Lakers, the max they could offer is a deal in the range of $89 million, according to Bobby Marks. But if Reaves tests the market, he could earn a contract equivalent to 25% of the salary cap. The first-year value for such a contract would be $42.5 million.

It’s still just an idea. Seeing how Austin Reaves is a natural fit, JJ Redick might be unwilling to part ways with him. In that case though, the Lakers do have some other targets.

If not Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Lakers still have options

The Lakers have nearly $70 million in expiring contracts, along with a first-round pick to dangle. So the team can really explore the market to find the right choice. But the Lakers have long been linked with the Jazz’s Walker Kessler. Not only is he young, but his rim protection and rebounding are among the best in the league.

Kessler led the league in offensive rebounding, a decisive weakness that led to the Lakers’ first-round exit. Moreover, his friendly salary of $4.8 million for next season does make him an attractive target. But for the future, Kessler is an expensive choice, with him being a restricted free agent in 2026.

For a more affordable option, the Purple and Gold could look at a free agent. One of their former players, Brook Lopez, is an unrestricted free agent this summer. With him being at the twilight of his career at the age of 37, Lopez is still a reliable shot blocker. Another added perk is the floor spacing he provides, allowing for improvements in the Lakers’ offense.

Lopez shot 37.3% from beyond the arc while contributing 13 points per night for the Bucks. He would be a great option if the Lakers feel they need more spacing to unlock their team. As for Kessler, he could have an amazing impact playing beside Luka Doncic, serving as an aerial threat and interior finisher.

What do you think the Lakers should do? Let us know your views in the comments below.