Breaking Ground: The Lakers’ 7 Best 3-Point Shooters to Acquire This Summer
As the NBA enters its offseason, teams across the league are looking to strengthen their rosters, and the Los Angeles Lakers are no exception. After an impressive postseason run in 2023, in which they made it to the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers are eager to build on their success and continue competing for championships in the near future. One of the key areas they need to improve is their three-point shooting. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis are the cornerstones of the franchise, adding shooters who can space the floor will make their offensive scheme more dynamic and potent.
Here are the 7 best 3-point shooters the Lakers should target this summer to break ground on their next championship window:
1. Fred VanVleet (Toronto Raptors)
Fred VanVleet has been a consistent shooter from beyond the arc for several years now, and he brings more than just shooting ability to the table. Standing at 6’1”, VanVleet isn’t the biggest guard, but he is tough, versatile, and a capable defender. Over the past few seasons, he has shot 39% or better from deep, while averaging over 7.0 assists per game. VanVleet would provide the Lakers with a reliable floor spacer and an additional playmaking option alongside LeBron James. His ability to shoot off the dribble and create his own shot would relieve some offensive pressure from the Lakers’ stars.
Why the Lakers should target him: VanVleet can both stretch the floor and run the offense, a skill set that would complement LeBron’s ability to orchestrate. Adding him would allow the Lakers to diversify their offense and have a consistent shooting threat at the guard position.
2. Buddy Hield (Indiana Pacers)
Buddy Hield is known for his elite shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc. He led the NBA in three-pointers made in 2022 and has established himself as one of the most consistent shooters in the league. With a career three-point percentage of 40%, Hield is a walking perimeter threat. He is best known for his catch-and-shoot ability, and given LeBron’s playmaking, Hield would get plenty of open looks on the wing or in transition.
At 6’4”, Hield is a more traditional shooting guard who can fit seamlessly into the Lakers’ system. Adding him would immediately elevate the Lakers’ three-point shooting without requiring major changes to their overall structure.
Why the Lakers should target him: The Lakers need to bolster their shooting, and Hield is a proven commodity. His ability to score in bunches, combined with his elite shooting range, would open up driving lanes for LeBron and Davis.
3. Duncan Robinson (Miami Heat)
Duncan Robinson’s stock has fallen a bit in recent seasons, but his shooting ability is still elite. Robinson has made a name for himself as one of the league’s most dangerous deep threats. His off-ball movement and ability to catch and shoot in a split second would be invaluable for the Lakers. In Miami’s system, Robinson has proven to be a key spacer, and the Lakers would benefit from his ability to stretch the floor.
While his defense is often questioned, the Lakers can mitigate that by surrounding him with solid defenders. The Lakers would be able to use Robinson’s shooting to help alleviate the attention LeBron often draws, allowing the Lakers’ offense to flow more smoothly.
Why the Lakers should target him: Robinson’s elite shooting is exactly what the Lakers need to improve their floor spacing. His ability to stretch the floor with both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble threes could make the Lakers’ offense more potent.
4. Kyle Kuzma (Washington Wizards)
Though Kuzma has been with the Washington Wizards since the 2021-2022 season, his shooting improvements have been noteworthy. After struggling early in his career with inconsistent shooting, Kuzma has developed into a reliable scorer from deep, averaging over 33% from three in recent years. In fact, Kuzma shot 34.8% from beyond the arc in 2023-2024, and his ability to knock down shots in a variety of situations would be valuable for the Lakers.
Kuzma is also a versatile player who can fill in at small forward or power forward, giving the Lakers more flexibility with their lineups. His 6’9” frame allows him to play multiple positions, and his defensive ability has steadily improved.
Why the Lakers should target him: Kuzma already has experience playing alongside LeBron, which would help with his transition back to the Lakers. His size, combined with his improving three-point shooting, gives the Lakers another wing option to complement their stars.
5. Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets)
Cam Johnson emerged as one of the more promising shooting prospects during his time with the Phoenix Suns before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets. At 6’8”, Johnson offers excellent size for a shooter and can space the floor with his lethal 3-point shooting. Over the past couple of seasons, he has shot 40% or better from deep, and his catch-and-shoot ability is well-suited for the Lakers’ offense, which often generates open looks for players on the perimeter.
Johnson is also a solid defender, which would help the Lakers maintain their defensive identity while adding another floor-spacing weapon.
Why the Lakers should target him: Johnson fits the mold of the modern NBA wing – a 3-and-D player who can shoot with range and defend multiple positions. His size and shooting ability would elevate the Lakers’ depth and provide another versatile piece on the roster.
6. Max Strus (Miami Heat)
Max Strus was a breakout star for the Miami Heat during their 2023 playoff run, and he has proven himself to be a reliable shooter from beyond the arc. With career averages of 35% shooting from three, Strus is known for his catch-and-shoot ability, particularly in high-pressure situations. His defense and grit would also fit in well with the Lakers’ identity.
Strus, a 6’5″ shooting guard/small forward, would be an excellent option to add depth to the Lakers’ wing rotation, offering shooting, defense, and hustle. With LeBron and AD, Strus could thrive as a secondary option who spaces the floor and contributes without demanding the spotlight.
Why the Lakers should target him: Strus is a great floor spacer who can shoot with confidence in clutch moments. His hustle and defensive chops would make him an excellent addition to a Lakers team looking for shooting and perimeter defense.
7. Terry Rozier (Charlotte Hornets)
Terry Rozier has emerged as one of the more consistent shooters in the league, with a career 3-point shooting percentage hovering around 37%. Although he’s more of a combo guard than a true point guard, Rozier has the ability to create shots off the dribble and contribute as a scorer. His ability to stretch the floor would provide the Lakers with another reliable outside shooting option.
Rozier’s skillset would complement LeBron’s playmaking, and his defensive ability would allow him to hold his own on the perimeter, even against the league’s best offensive players.
Why the Lakers should target him: Rozier is a dynamic scorer who can contribute both as a shooter and a ball handler. His ability to knock down shots and create offense would add another layer to the Lakers’ offense.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Lakers’ quest to build a more balanced and potent roster for the 2023-2024 season must include an emphasis on shooting. Whether it’s through trade or free agency, acquiring one or more of the top 3-point shooters on the market could make a significant difference in their title aspirations. Players like Fred VanVleet, Buddy Hield, and Duncan Robinson would help space the floor for LeBron and Davis, while adding depth and versatility to the Lakers’ attack. By targeting these elite shooting talents, the Lakers can position themselves for another deep playoff run and potentially another championship banner.
