The Lakers have been arguably the busiest team in the offseason as of late. They’ve made dramatic roster changes, especially after a disappointing title defense last season. Although they signed some new faces in Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn, the Lakers also made a lot of noise in free agency by signing a bevy of former Laker vets.  The Lakers also signed Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, and Dwight Howard.

The multi-titled franchise is going all out in putting together the best supporting cast to surround their latest Big Three. With LBJ and Westbrook heading towards the latter stages of their careers, the franchise is certainly heading to a “win-now” direction.

But despite the recent additions, the team still has a few roster vacancies to fill. Because of this, it’s still possible for the Lakers to continue their reunion tour. For this piece, let’s take a look at some of the possible former Laker vets that can still join the team in their quest for another championship.

Former Lakers – Lakers Trade And Lakers Free Agency Targets

Sviatoslav Mykhailuk

Svi Mykhailuk had an uneventful stint with the Lakers in his rookie season. In 39 games, he only averaged a measly 3.3 points per outing. However, the Ukrainian guard has improved since then. After playing for the Purple and Gold, Mykhailuk went on to become a respectable perimeter shooter for the Pistons and the Thunder. His best stint came last season with the Thunder, where he averaged a career high 10.8 points per game, while shooting 43.8% from the field.

The Lakers were horrendous in three-point shooting last season. They only shot 35.5% from beyond the arc which was only good for 21st in the league. Given that their best players in LBJ and AD mainly operate in the paint, the lack of spacing and shooting certainly hurt their chances of a two-peat last season. Because of this, Mykhailuk could be an interesting addition to the Purple and Gold.

The team could use some more off-ball shooters to surround their Big Three, especially with the addition of Russell Westbrook. Given that their main guys will do most of their damage in the paint, some lethal floor spacers like Mykhailuk will make the Lakers a difficult team to stop.

As of this writing, the Lakers do have some knockdown shooters in Melo and Ellington. However, adding another perimeter sniper shouldn’t hurt the team. With Mykhailuk still a free agent, the Lakers should consider adding more shooters to space the floor to keep opposing defenses away from their Big Three.

Avery Bradley

Another former Laker still available is Avery Bradley. Bradley was part of the Lakers squad in the championship season, but didn’t join the team in the bubble. In 49 games with the Lakers, Bradley served as the team’s starting guard for the most part and averaged 8.6 points per game.

Since then, Bradley has had stints with the Heat and the Rockets. And with the Rockets not picking up his team option, Bradley could be a great addition to this Lakers squad.

With Alex Caruso departing for the Bulls, the Lakers could use Bradley’s two-way play off the bench. Although Bradley had a terrible stint with Houston, his 42.1% three-point shooting with the Heat proved that he can still be an efficient 3-and-D veteran for any contender.

Given that Bradley provides shooting and defense, his addition will be an upgrade for the Lakers squad compared to last season. As we all know, the team struggled to make their perimeter shots and failed to keep opposing shooters in check. The addition of Bradley should improve those departments for the squad.

DeMarcus Cousins

Another former Laker that was part of the championship roster is DeMarcus Cousins. Although Cousins was part of the championship squad, he never suited up for a single game in a Lakers uniform. The four time All-Star was sidelined with an ACL injury for the entire season.

Since then, Cousins has signed onto short term deals with the Rockets and the Clippers. And now still a free agent, the Lakers might want to consider bringing him back, especially with rumors of Marc Gasol not being a lock on the team.

Despite being a step slower, Cousins proved he can still be a solid backup big man. In last year’s postseason with the Clippers, he averaged 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds off the bench.

Aside from shooting and defense, the Lakers had trouble in the front-court last season. AD was hampered by injuries. Montrezl Harrell was simply too undersized. And although Gasol showed glimpses, he was hardly the center the team expected him to be. Furthermore, the signing of former All-Star Andre Drummond couldn’t save the Lakers’ front court issues.

With Gasol’s possible exit, Cousins will be the best possible replacement. It will surely bring a new dynamic to the Lakers that we failed to see back in the ‘19–‘20 season. Furthermore, he shouldn’t have major problems adjusting, given that he has shared the floor with Anthony Davis previously in New Orleans.

Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo isn’t a free agent, given that he was traded to the Grizzlies after a stint with the Clippers. However, reports have surfaced that a buyout is possibly on the horizon.

The four time All-Star’s return to the Lakers would be a massive addition. Rondo was a major contributor in the Lakers’ championship conquest during the bubble. In the Finals, he averaged 8.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Rondo also dropped 19 points off the bench in the championship-clinching game.

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Losing Caruso highlights the need for the Lakers to have a scrappy and high-IQ guard like Rondo. His hustle and elite playmaking will surely give the Lakers’ bench a shot in the arm. Furthermore, his presence will give the team another reliable ball-handler outside of LBJ and Russell Westbrook. But more importantly, his championship experience will elevate the squad on both ends of the floor come playoff time.

Because of this, the Lakers should pursue Rondo if he becomes available. There’s good reason why “Playoff Rondo” is legendary and worth having on your championship team.

Isaiah Thomas

If there is a veteran that deserves to make a case for a comeback, it’s Isaiah Thomas. IT is reportedly one of the three guards being worked out by the Lakers as a strong candidate to fill the one of the roster spots.

We all know what IT is capable of after starring with the Celtics. But ever since a nagging hip injury, he's never been the same ever since. IT started bouncing around the league that included a short stop with the Lakers. In his Lakers stint, he averaged 15.6 points and 5.0 assists per game.

The Lakers are reportedly looking to add depth to their roster by searching for a wing and a guard. Because of this, IT is a strong candidate to take one of those spots.

The two time All-Star’s last NBA appearance came in last season with the Pelicans. In three games, he averaged 7.7 points per game in limited minutes. Since then, IT is so far mounting a comeback to find a place in the NBA once again. He recently made a strong case for a comeback after erupting for 81 points in the Pro-Am games.

Although it is hard to tell how IT will fare in his potential return to the NBA and his defense being a large suspect, IT can surely provide the Lakers a bench some scoring punch. Furthermore, he is no stranger to playing alongside the best player on the squad in LeBron James having been teammates in Cleveland during the ‘17-‘18 season.