The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a crucial offseason filled with rumors. They selected Max Christie with the 35th pick in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft.

The Lakers have been great over the years in finding valuable role players later in the draft. They are also excellent at developing players that go undrafted or through the g-league. Austin Reaves was one of the most impactful players for LA last season, and he signed on as an undrafted free agent.

As always, the Lakeshow has been in rumors with the league's best stars.

Los Angeles has been linked as the most significant threat of prying Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets.

Irving would be reuniting with LeBron James and creating a dynamic big three with James and Anthony Davis. Irving and LeBron won a championship together in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. That Cavs team overcame a 3-1 deficit, becoming the first and only team to do so in the NBA Finals.

James and Davis have also won a championship together, with the Lakers in 2020. Adding Irving to Los Angeles would be the most talented big three in the NBA. However, the concern some fans have addressed is Irving has missed 123 games over the past three seasons.

Lakers fans are always on Davis for missing games with injuries, and adding another player prone to missing time would be a risk.

However, a big three like that healthy would be a nightmare for the league to stop. Even if Los Angeles can acquire Irving, they still need to fill other holes on the roster.

With that said, here is the biggest need the Lakers still must address after the 2022 NBA Draft.

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Biggest Lakers Need After 2022 NBA Draft

3&D Wings

The Lakers' biggest weakness last season was their slower and older wings. They simply couldn't keep up with the younger players in this league. Stanley Johnson was signed to multiple 10-day deals with LA before signing a one-year deal plus a team option for next season.

Los Angeles is expected to pick up his team option to keep the defensive wing for next season.

The 26-year-old forward provided great defense and energy for the Lakers. Johnson is working on improving his three-point shot to provide spacing offensively.

Los Angeles needs more players like Johnson, as players of this style fit well alongside the superstar duo of James and Davis.

Reaves also thrived as a shooting guard, providing defense and shooting. Reaves and Johnson were both relied upon heavily after proving themselves over the veterans.

The selection of Christie gives them another young wing. Christie is a great mid-range scorer with the potential to be a good three-point shooter. He brings solid defense and will be a key piece for Los Angeles next season.

If the Lakers acquire Irving, they will get another top-tier scorer. Adding young 3&D wings would create well-rounded depth around the trio.

Los Angeles will likely pursue more guys that fit this prototype via undrafted free agents and free agency. As mentioned before, the Lakers found Reaves undrafted last season, who became an integral piece. Undrafted free agents often have LA as one of their preferred destinations. Getting the opportunity to play for the NBA's most historic franchise and with one of the greatest players ever in LeBron is hard for undrafted players to pass up.

General manager Rob Pelinka and the scouting department do a fantastic job of finding which ones will make a significant impact.

The Lakers also entice free agents, and they could add players via that route. Otto Porter Jr. is the 3&D wing available who played an important role on the Golden State Warriors championship season. Porter Jr. will have many suitors, but players like him should be a target for LA.

Los Angeles has a long way to go in this eventful 2022 NBA offseason. Whether they add a new star in Irving or trade Russell Westbrook, they need to add pieces along the edges.

The selection of Max Christie will help them embrace the youth around the stars and have a better supporting cast next season.

If Pelinka and the front office have a good offseason, the Lakers will be right back in championship contention.