Lakers Tipped to Add ‘Big Time Shot-Maker’ to Boost Backcourt

The Los Angeles Lakers returned to profitable methods on Wednesday evening, defeating the Indiana Pacers 137-130.

Luka Doncic as soon as once more led the cost with 43 factors, supported by sturdy contributions from Austin Reaves, LeBron Jamesand Jason Hayes.

The victory marks the Lakers’ tenth win of their final 11 video games, lifting them to 47-26 and into sole possession of the third seed in a tightly contested Western Conference.

While the main target stays on securing playoff positioning, consideration can also be starting to shift towards what could possibly be a pivotal offseason in Los Angeles.

Lakers Weighing Multiple Offseason Pathways

Much of the offseason narrative continues to focus on LeBron James and whether or not he’ll stay with the franchise.

If James have been to depart, the Lakers might open up roughly $51 million in cap house, even after accounting for Reaves’ $20.9 million cap maintain, in accordance to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Several free agent targets have been floated in latest months, alongside reviews of a possible “all-out pursuit” of Giannis Antetokounmpohowever The Athletic’s Sam Amick.

However, the draft might signify a extra secure and practical avenue for roster enchancment, providing the prospect to add younger, cost-controlled expertise no matter how different offseason situations unfold.

In his newest mock draft on March 24, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman projected the Lakers deciding on Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas with the twenty fifth general decide within the 2026 NBA Draft.

Through 36 video games this season, Thomas is averaging 15.6 factors, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per sport, whereas capturing 43.4% from the sphere and a formidable 42.0% from three-point vary on 5.4 makes an attempt per contest.

“Meleek Thomas got off to an excellent start in the NCAA tournament with his shotmaking and efficiency,” Wasserman wrote. “He’s played with confidence easy to see just by watching his shot diet and how decisive he looks rising up into jumpers.”

“Though there would be more interest in Thomas if he was able to showcase some playmaking, NBA teams could see late first-round value around their potential to provide instant offense, spot-up shooting and active defense off the bench.”

Meleek Thomas Emerging as Intriguing Late First-Round Option

Wasserman has in contrast Thomas to Jordan Clarksonhighlighting its potential as a high-volume scoring guard on the subsequent degree.

Whether the Lakers would choose to choose one other guard, following the latest first-round picks of Dalton Knecht and Jalen Hood-Schifinostays unsure.

Still, Thomas presents an intriguing possibility who might present depth behind Doncic and Reaves, ought to the latter re-sign this summer time.

The 19-year-old has continued to impress within the NCAA Tournament, scoring 21 and 19 factors respectively in Arkansas’ opening two games to assist lead the Razorbacks to the Sweet Sixteen.

In the first-round win over Hawaii, he additionally added eight rebounds, 5 assists, two steals, and one block, exhibiting his all-around impression.

“A big time shot-maker with range on his jumper, Thomas has a silky smooth game and just knows how to put the ball in the bucket,” NBA Draft Room state. “You compete at a high level and give good effort on both ends.”

The 6-foot-5 guard has scored 25 or extra factors on 4 events this season, together with a 29-point efficiency in opposition to Ole Miss on March 14, the place he knocked down 4 three-pointers.

Whether the Lakers in the end retain their 2026 first-round decide or bundle it in a transfer for a longtime star stays to be seen.

If they do preserve the choice, nonetheless, there seems to be a large pool of intriguing late first-round prospects obtainable, with Thomas firmly amongst them.

Matt Evans is a sports activities journalist from the United Kingdom, primarily based in Paris, with over a decade of expertise protecting the NBA and wider international sport. More about Matt Evans