The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a difficult second-round playoff matchup against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Much of the attention remains on Luka Doncic and his availability, with the Slovenian star officially ruled out of Tuesday’s Game 1.
At the same time, as teams exit the postseason and individual performances come under the spotlight, focus is beginning to shift toward what could be a pivotal offseason across the league.
Lakers Could Target Veteran Scoring Boost in Free Agency
Unlike at the trade deadline, the Lakers are expected to enter the summer with multiple first-round draft picks and significant cap space, placing them in a strong position to pursue meaningful upgrades.
Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk believes one potential addition could be veteran forward Tobias Harris.
Harris delivered a “standout” first-round performance for the Detroit Pistons, who completed a 3-1 comeback to eliminate the Orlando Magic in seven games.
Detroit became just the 15th team in NBA history to achieve such a turnaround, securing its first playoff series win in 18 years.
Across the series, Harris averaged 21.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.6 steals, while shooting 45.5% from the field and 28.9% from three-point range.
“The Detroit Pistons forward is set to hit unrestricted free agency upon the completion of his two-year, $52 million deal,” Rovenchuk wrote. “That would allow Los Angeles to bring him in outright.”
“Many Lakers fans cited Harris as a prime example of why saving money for free agency was not a perfect strategy for team-building. However, the veteran forward did his part in the first round against the Orlando Magic to change the narrative about what adding him in the summer could mean for LA.”
Rovenchuk noted that Harris has often carried the “overpaid” label, having earned $26.6 million during the 2025-26 season.
That perception largely stems from his previous five-year, $180 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, which saw him earn close to $40 million during the 2023-24 campaign.
Tobias Harris Strengthens Case With Playoff Performance
Despite those concerns, Harris’ postseason performances have strengthened his case as a viable two-way option worth considering for general manager Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office.
In the decisive Game 7, the veteran forward delivered a standout performance, scoring 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including five three-pointers, to lead Detroit to victory.
He also contributed nine rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block in a complete all-around effort.
“Harris is about to hit age 34 in July,” Rovenchuk added. “That should push him down the priority list for the Lakers as they pursue players who fit the Luka Doncic timeline.”
“However, should the 15-year vet be available for a reasonable cost on a short-term deal, that scenario now looks much more attractive for Pelinka and crew.”
While the center position has long been viewed as a priority area, the Lakers continue to be linked with a range of perimeter options.
ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel has reported that Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, and Peyton Watson could all emerge as targets, with Bruce Brown also mentioned as a potential option amid a possible Denver Nuggets reshuffle.
With the possibility of more than $50 million in cap space this offseason, depending on LeBron James’ situation, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin has previously reported that the Lakers are unlikely to pursue another marquee star outside of James.
Instead, the front office is expected to focus on retaining key contributors such as Austin Reaves, Luke Kennard, and backup center Jaxson Hayes, while also exploring cost-effective additions.
Within that framework, Harris could fit the profile of an experienced, team-oriented contributor who could provide immediate value if the right opportunity arises.
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