The Los Angeles Lakers are in a unique position heading into the 2023-2024 NBA season. With a roster that features superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, along with solid role players such as Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers are primed to contend for a title. However, as with most teams in the NBA, depth is a key factor in championship aspirations. Despite a strong roster, the Lakers are always looking for additional talent that can provide a spark or add depth to key positions.
There are several unsigned free agents available who could help the Lakers right now. Here are three potential candidates:
1. Monta Ellis – Guard
Monta Ellis, once one of the NBA’s most explosive scoring guards, has been out of the league for a few seasons. However, his skill set could still be beneficial for a Lakers team that often struggles with consistent scoring from its backcourt. Ellis was known for his quickness, ability to score from anywhere on the floor, and his ability to create plays off the dribble. He played the majority of his career with the Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 19 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game during his prime.
While Ellis is no longer the player he once was, his ability to create offense could be extremely valuable to the Lakers. In particular, Los Angeles could use an experienced guard who can provide a scoring punch when LeBron James or Anthony Davis are off the floor. He would offer the Lakers a veteran presence off the bench and provide valuable scoring as a backup point guard or shooting guard. His ability to push the pace and generate fast-break opportunities could complement the Lakers’ transition-heavy style of play.
Ellis’s biggest question mark is whether he can still compete at the level expected from NBA players. While his defensive prowess was never his strength, his offensive skills would help a Lakers squad that needs depth in the backcourt.
2. Carmelo Anthony – Forward
Carmelo Anthony, the 10-time NBA All-Star, has been a fixture in the league for over 18 seasons and played a role in the Lakers’ 2021-2022 campaign. While he did not return for the 2022-2023 season, Anthony remains unsigned, and his ability to space the floor and provide scoring remains an asset. At 6’8″ and with a career average of 22.5 points per game, Anthony would be a welcome addition to a Lakers squad that can struggle to generate consistent offense.
One of Anthony’s strengths is his scoring ability, particularly as a shooter. He has a career three-point percentage of 35%, and his ability to catch and shoot could be an excellent complement to the Lakers’ offense, which often runs through LeBron James in a playmaking role. His experience as a high-volume scorer can be crucial for providing offensive depth when LeBron and Davis are off the floor or dealing with injuries.
Defensively, while not a lockdown defender, Anthony can hold his own, and his size and experience allow him to contribute effectively in certain matchups. The Lakers, who have often struggled with offensive consistency, could use a veteran scorer like Carmelo to come off the bench and provide instant offense, especially in crucial moments during the regular season or playoff games.
3. Dwight Howard – Center
Dwight Howard’s time with the Lakers during the 2019-2020 season helped the team win the NBA championship, and although his role was reduced in the following years, his impact was still notable. The Lakers could certainly benefit from having the 8-time All-Star center back on the roster, given their ongoing need for a reliable backup center. Howard is a dominant rebounder, shot-blocker, and has a physical presence in the paint that could add a layer of toughness to the Lakers’ roster.
Despite being in his late 30s, Howard has shown that he can still be effective in limited minutes, especially in a system that plays to his strengths. He averaged 5.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game in the 2021-2022 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. His rim protection and rebounding would improve the Lakers’ defense, particularly in situations when Davis needs to rest or if he’s dealing with injury issues.
Furthermore, Howard’s experience in high-pressure situations (having won an NBA championship with the Lakers) would provide invaluable leadership in the locker room, especially for younger players like Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves. Although he’s not the player he was in his prime, Howard’s low-post presence and rebounding can help round out a team looking to make another deep playoff run.
Conclusion
While the Lakers’ current roster is solid, adding any of these three free agents—Monta Ellis, Carmelo Anthony, or Dwight Howard—could give them a boost in key areas. Ellis can provide backcourt scoring and playmaking, Anthony brings veteran shooting and offensive depth, and Howard adds defense and rebounding in the frontcourt. Any of these players could step into a reserve role and help the Lakers during crucial moments in the season, making them valuable assets for Los Angeles as they aim to contend for another championship.
