The Los Angeles Lakers have gone all-in, forming a powerhouse trio with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. Their aggressive pursuit of a title has kept them firmly in the championship conversation all season, but with the Western Conference as competitive as ever, there’s no guarantee they’ll hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

If they fall short, expect roster shake-ups to address weaknesses. Even if they win it all, history has shown that title teams must keep evolving to stay on top. One smart way to do that? Reuniting with former Lakers who will be free agents.

Players who already understand the pressure of playing in L.A., have chemistry with key pieces and could step into a defined role. The Lakers have plenty of familiar options to consider this summer no matter what happens in 2024-25. Here are seven former Lakers they should strongly consider bringing back this summer.

1. Lonnie Walker IV

Lonnie Walker IV had one of the most electrifying moments of the Lakers’ 2023 playoff run, erupting for 15 fourth-quarter points in Game 4 against the Warriors to help secure a crucial win. While his stint in Los Angeles was short, he proved to be a fearless shot-maker and explosive athlete, capable of heating up in an instant.

In the 2024-25 season, he’s continued his role as a solid bench scorer, averaging 8.2 points per game for the 76ers after his stint abroad with Zalgiris Kaunas of the Lithuanian Basketball League ended in towards the end of February.

The Lakers could bring him back as a budget-friendly option who provides scoring punch off the bench. The current Lakers squad could benefit from Walker’s ability to create his own shot, especially when Doncic or LeBron rests. Given Walker’s team-friendly $2.9 million option, the Lakers could potentially acquire him on a reasonable deal if the 76ers agree to move on from him.

2. Malik Beasley

Malik Beasley’s first run with the Lakers in 2023 didn’t end the way he had hoped, as his playoff minutes diminished due to streaky shooting. He posted 11.1 points per game on 35.3% from three in the regular season but his numbers fell dramatically to 3.0 points per game on 26.9% from three in the playoffs.

Despite that, there’s no denying his ability to space the floor when he’s locked in. In the 2024-25 season, Beasley has bounced back in a big way, posting a career-high 16.2 points per game on 41.8% three-point shooting. His quick trigger and ability to spread the floor would be an ideal complement to the Lakers’ Big Three.

Spacing is everything in today’s NBA, and Beasley provides exactly that. The shots won’t fall as regularly as they are now if he re-joins the Lakers, because that is the nature of pressure, but he is a great option for the team if he’s available at the right price.

3. Brook Lopez

Lopez was a key member of the Lakers’ 2017-18 squad, averaging 13.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 1.3 BPG, but that was before he reinvented himself into a starting-caliber and elite three-point-shooting, rim-protecting center we know today.

In the 2024-25 season, Lopez is still a defensive anchor, averaging 12.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 37.1% from deep. With Anthony Davis gone, adding Lopez would provide the perfect frontcourt balance, especially since Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len won’t be the long-term answer at center.

Beyond being a rim protector who can move out to the three-point line on offense, his ability to stretch the floor would unclog the lane for Doncic and LeBron. If the Lakers want a big man who brings championship experience and versatility, Lopez should be high on their list.

4. Dennis Schroder

Dennis Schroder has already had two separate stints with the Lakers (averaging 13.9 PPG and 5.1 APG), and if there’s one thing we know, it’s that he knows what the L.A. spotlightout is about. Even if he was often scapegoated, he played a role in their 2023 Western Conference Finals playoff push.

In the 2024-25 season, Schroder is still a valuable two-way guard, and his numbers look more than solid on paper even if he played for three separate teams. Given the Lakers’ need for secondary playmakers, bringing him back as a veteran backup to Doncic could be a logical move.

His familiarity with the weight of the Lakers uniform would allow him to slide seamlessly into the rotation. Plus, he’s not afraid of the big moments and his fiery competitiveness is exactly what L.A. needs in high-pressure playoff games.

5. Patrick Beverley

Say what you want about Patrick Beverley, but his impact goes beyond the box score. In his brief Lakers tenure during the 2022-23 season, he brought defensive intensity and veteran leadership (6.4 PPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG), two things the current squad could use.

Now, at 36 years old, he’s still a defensive pest, and he is a free agent after leaving Hapoel Tel Aviv overseas. If the Lakers want to add a hard-nosed, battle-tested veteran to their locker room, Beverley is an obvious candidate.

While Beverley isn’t the offensive threat he once was, his role would be strictly defined—defend, bring energy, and get under opponents’ skin. On a team with championship aspirations, that type of player can be invaluable in a long playoff run, especially when he is on a minimum deal.

6. Taurean Prince

Taurean Prince was a solid rotation piece for the Lakers before departing in free agency, and his skill set would still be highly valuable for this roster. In 2024-25, he’s averaging 8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, shooting 44.6% from three—exactly the type of three-and-D role player every contender needs.

One of the Lakers’ weaknesses this season has been defensive consistency on the perimeter, and Prince would provide immediate help in that area. Given his familiarity with the system and relatively affordable market value, Prince is an easy name to circle as a potential reunion candidate.

7. Spencer Dinwiddie

Dinwiddie had a short-lived Lakers stint after the 2024 trade deadline with 28 appearances, but he made his presence felt as a steady veteran guard. While his scoring efficiency dipped last season, he still put up 6.8 points and 2.4 assists per game with the team, proving he can facilitate and create his own shot when needed.

The Lakers’ backcourt rotation is solid, but adding another experienced playmaker wouldn’t hurt, especially as LeBron continues to manage his workload. At 6’5”, he can provide length on defense while running the second-unit offense when Doncic sits, and he is a solid option at a veteran’s minimum.