Lakers Eye Three Additions To Bolster LeBron James’ Title Hopes

The Los Angeles Lakers added another former first-overall pick to their ranks when they signed Deandre Ayton.

Now, they have to address their defense, which was an issue at times in the first year of the J.J. Redick era.

Notably, they won't have that much money to spend in free agency, which is why they will have to think outside of the box to add reinforcements.

According to a report by Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, general manager Rob Pelinka is targeting the likes of Marcus Smart, Mattise Thybulle, and Ayo Dosunmu:

“Sources say Matisse Thybulle, Marcus Smart (though most teams are watching to see if he's going to be bought out), Ayo Dosunmu and others are names the Lakers have had preliminary conversations with teams about availability and price, though no offers have been made,” he reported.

Thybulle is in the final year of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, and while he's never been much of a factor on offense, he's a perimeter hound who can hold his own with quicker and smaller players.

Smart is a former Defensive Player of the Year who has struggled with injuries, but he can guard one through five and provide some three-point shooting.

Last but not least, Dosumnu has been a steady contributor for Billy Donovan and the Chicago Bulls, and given his age, it might be tougher to get than the other players.

LeBron James will reportedly reconsider his future with the Lakers if they fail to field a championship-caliber roster, so the pressure will be on Pelinka to get a deal done sooner rather than later.