The Los Angeles Lakers Are Making Smart Moves This Offseason, But There’s One Perfect Move Left to Elevate Their Roster to Championship Contender Status

This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have been busy, making moves that suggest they’re serious about competing for another championship. With LeBron James continuing to defy age and Anthony Davis providing a dominant presence, the team is in a strong position to challenge for the NBA title again. However, despite these promising adjustments, there’s one key move still out there—one that could take their roster to an even higher level and help them secure another championship in the near future.

The Lakers have been making the right moves to balance their roster and create a more complete and cohesive unit. They’ve added solid veterans, brought in useful role players, and, most importantly, made sure they retain the core talent that’s been essential to their success over the past few seasons. But even with all these positive moves, there’s still a missing piece of the puzzle—a piece that, if acquired, could transform the Lakers from a title contender to the definitive favorites for the championship.

One of the primary goals of the Lakers this offseason has been to add depth to their roster while not sacrificing the chemistry they’ve worked hard to build. The addition of key players like Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, and Jaxson Hayes has injected valuable versatility into their lineup. Gabe Vincent, a guard who played a key role for the Miami Heat during their surprising run to the NBA Finals, brings a competitive spirit and reliability to the backcourt. Taurean Prince, a forward with excellent defensive instincts and shooting range, adds depth to the wing positions. Jaxson Hayes, with his length and athleticism, gives them more options in the frontcourt.

All of these moves indicate that the Lakers are building a deeper, more balanced roster—something that was lacking during their title run in the 2020 bubble season. Depth is crucial in the modern NBA, where injuries can derail even the most talented teams, and the Lakers are now in a much stronger position in that regard. The rotation is more flexible, and the bench has been fortified with solid contributors. But even with these improvements, the Lakers’ front office still has one crucial task left to complete: adding a true third star to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

While Davis is an absolute force on both ends of the floor, his offensive consistency has sometimes been questioned, particularly in high-pressure moments. LeBron James, meanwhile, remains one of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen, but there are signs that Father Time is gradually catching up with him. Though LeBron continues to play at an elite level, his body isn’t as reliable as it once was. As he enters his 21st season, the Lakers need to ensure that they aren’t too reliant on him, especially in the long grind of a full season and the playoffs.

This is where the move for a third star comes into play.

The Lakers’ search for another playmaker and scorer who can relieve pressure from LeBron and Davis could be the difference between being a contender and winning it all. They need someone who can consistently generate offense on their own—whether it’s through isolation scoring, playmaking, or even serving as an additional floor-spacer. This player should complement LeBron and AD’s skill sets rather than duplicate them. The Lakers have a few key players in mind who could make a significant impact, but the question is: who can they acquire?

The most logical target for the Lakers is someone who can be both a shot creator and a strong defender. A player with such a dual-threat skill set would take the pressure off of LeBron and Davis and provide them with an additional weapon on the floor. Players like Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal could fit the bill in this scenario, though there’s a catch. The Lakers would likely need to make a trade for either of these stars, and they’d have to move some assets in the process.

Damian Lillard, for instance, has been one of the most lethal scorers in the NBA for years. A sharpshooting guard with deep range, Lillard has the ability to stretch defenses and create shots off the dribble. In addition, he’s a clutch player who thrives in late-game situations. His scoring ability would immediately take pressure off of LeBron and Davis, allowing them to focus on their strengths. Lillard is also a leader, someone who could elevate the Lakers’ locker room and provide veteran experience in high-stakes situations.

However, the major challenge with acquiring Lillard is his long-standing commitment to the Portland Trail Blazers and the complexity of any potential trade. Portland would need to be willing to move their franchise player, and the Lakers would need to offer a significant package in return. This could include future picks, young assets like Austin Reaves or Max Christie, and perhaps a few established players to match salaries. While Lillard’s fit with the Lakers is a strong one, acquiring him would require careful consideration and negotiations.

Another viable option is Bradley Beal, who has been the focal point of the Washington Wizards’ offense for years. Beal is an elite scorer who can create his own shot, space the floor with his shooting, and is also capable of being a secondary playmaker when needed. He’s not as accomplished as Lillard in terms of deep playoff runs, but his scoring ability is undeniable. His perimeter shooting and ability to drive to the basket would open up more opportunities for LeBron and Davis, especially when the Lakers need to spread the floor against top-tier defenses.

Beal has been in the trade rumors for some time, and while the Wizards appear to be in a rebuilding phase, his contract may make a potential trade difficult. Beal is owed a hefty sum over the next few years, which could limit the Lakers’ flexibility in other areas. Yet, if the Lakers can find a way to make the math work, his scoring and playmaking would significantly raise the team’s ceiling.

Regardless of whether they land Lillard or Beal, the Lakers’ need for a third star is clear. LeBron and AD can carry the team for stretches, but to truly be the favorites for a title, they need that extra scoring punch—someone who can step up when the other two are not on the floor or when the pressure is at its highest. That third star should also be able to defend, as defense will be crucial when matching up against the elite teams in the Western Conference, like the Denver Nuggets or Phoenix Suns.

Beyond the stars, the Lakers’ front office could also explore other options like adding a dynamic forward who can stretch the floor or someone with a knack for defensive versatility. This might not move the needle as much as acquiring a third superstar, but it would still help create a more complete roster.

As the offseason rolls on, the Lakers’ front office has positioned themselves for a potential blockbuster trade or a solid signing. The team is undoubtedly in a much better place than they were just a few seasons ago, but there’s still work to be done. If the Lakers are serious about competing with the likes of the Denver Nuggets, the Milwaukee Bucks, or the Boston Celtics, they need one more piece—a dynamic, impactful player who can lift them to championship glory.

The Lakers have made smart, thoughtful moves to improve their roster, but acquiring that perfect third star would truly take them to the next level. With the right acquisition, this team could become unstoppable and solidify themselves as the team to beat in the NBA for years to come.