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The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off of an injury-riddled season that resulted in a disappointing first-round exit. They were up 2-1 in the series when superstar Anthony Davis went down with an injury. While the LA would have had a shot at the title if injuries didn't foil their plans, they went out and improved the roster.
This started with a big move as they traded for star guard Russell Westbrook. The move for Westbrook created a big three but left the teams without role players. General manager Rob Pelinka then went out and signed a ton of free agents that can fit with the big three.
They brought in four former Lakers in Dwight Howard, Wayne Ellington, Trevor Ariza, and Kent Bazemore. The Lakers also brought in Carmelo Anthony, Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn, and resigned Talen Horton-Tucker. This roster is good, but LA still has three roster spots open.
Here is the biggest need the Lakers still must address after the first week of 2021 NBA Free Agency.
Lakers biggest need: Defense and Glue Guys
The Lakers have brought in three-point shooters and players that fit well next to the big 3. However, the Lakers need to look at bringing in more defensive-minded players. They also need to bring in glue guys that already have chemistry with the team.
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With three roster spots left, the Lakers should look to bring back Wesley Matthews and Jared Dudley. They should also bring back a member of the 2019-20 roster in Avery Bradley. Dudley would be there to be a leader in the locker room, while Bradley and Matthews could be lockdown defensive guards.
Matthews, Bradley, and Dudley have chemistry with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, giving them familiarity with the team. They all have a ton of experience and could be glue guys for the Lakers 2021-22 roster if brought in.
Back in 2020, Bradley was really hitting his stride with the Lakers before the season got suspended due to the pandemic. With the Lakers, Bradley averaged 8.6 points per game while shooting 36.4 percent from the three-point line. While those numbers don't jump off the page, Bradley had an enormous impact on the court for the Lakers. He would take the challenge of locking up opponents' top guards and could be a real impact player for the Lakers once again.
Matthews was inconsistent this season offensively with the Lakers, but his defense was always there. He averaged 4.8 points per game and is a career 37.9 percent three-point shooter. Matthews could bring depth off the bench for the Lakers with his defense and shooting ability. He would fit well with the team if the Lakers are to resign him.
Dudley would be another great resigning for the Lakers. Although he doesn't see much time on the court, Dudley brings leadership and a veteran presence to the team. Dudley is the kind of player that can mentor and be like another coach on the bench. He has great chemistry with LeBron and AD and would be a beneficial resigning for the Lakers to make.
The Lakers are in a great spot as they head into the 2021-22 season. They have had a tremendous offseason and are bound to compete for a championship this season. If LA can sign Matthews, Dudley, and Bradley, they will be in an even better position. Bringing in these defensive and glue guys will help the Lakers on a title run next season.
