Here are the BEST guard targets for the Lakers this summer 👀https://t.co/i5edE8uzw6— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) May 5, 2025
Best Guard Targets for the Lakers in the 2025 Offseason
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May 5, 2025 1 Comment
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FROM THE ABOVE ARTICLE:
1. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (NAW): The Ideal Budget Fit
This would be a match made in heaven.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker isn’t a flashy name, but he might be the Lakers’ smartest and most cost-effective option in a guard market that’s thinner than usual.
While he’ll surely command a raise after a strong season with Minnesota, where he made $4.3 million this year, he won’t cost nearly as much as some of the higher-profile names.
What makes NAW special is his defensive impact. He ranked in the 96th percentile for Defensive Estimated Turnovers Forced (raDTOV), a stat that captures just how disruptive he is on the perimeter.
His ability to shave seconds off the shot clock by simply pestering opposing ball-handlers is something the Lakers sorely lacked this postseason.
He also brings length (6’5″) and versatility, capable of guarding ones and twos while spacing the floor on the other end. Once considered a raw scorer with upside, NAW has rounded out his game by improving as a shooter and a secondary playmaker.
At 26 years old, he’s entering his prime and fits both the Lakers’ short-term playoff timeline and long-term core. If LA wants to add a gritty, switchable combo guard without burning through assets or cap flexibility, this is the move.
This would be a match made in heaven.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker isn’t a flashy name, but he might be the Lakers’ smartest and most cost-effective option in a guard market that’s thinner than usual.
While he’ll surely command a raise after a strong season with Minnesota, where he made $4.3 million this year, he won’t cost nearly as much as some of the higher-profile names.
What makes NAW special is his defensive impact. He ranked in the 96th percentile for Defensive Estimated Turnovers Forced (raDTOV), a stat that captures just how disruptive he is on the perimeter.
His ability to shave seconds off the shot clock by simply pestering opposing ball-handlers is something the Lakers sorely lacked this postseason.
He also brings length (6’5″) and versatility, capable of guarding ones and twos while spacing the floor on the other end. Once considered a raw scorer with upside, NAW has rounded out his game by improving as a shooter and a secondary playmaker.
At 26 years old, he’s entering his prime and fits both the Lakers’ short-term playoff timeline and long-term core. If LA wants to add a gritty, switchable combo guard without burning through assets or cap flexibility, this is the move.
2. Jrue Holiday: The Dream Target (But Unlikely)
Let’s be honest — this one’s a long shot. But it’s worth exploring.
Jrue Holiday is the ideal two-way guard for this team. He’s a proven playoff performer, a defensive menace, and has championship experience to back it up. He could take on the toughest backcourt assignment each night while seamlessly slotting next to both Luka and LeBron as a third playmaker.
That said, there are two major roadblocks: the Celtics and the CBA.
Boston just re-upped with Holiday, and since acquiring him, they haven’t lost a playoff series. Unless Brad Stevens truly believes he’s getting over on the Lakers, it’s hard to imagine Boston handing LA the very piece that could swing the balance of power in the West.
On top of that, the new second apron rules make life difficult. Boston is already flirting with second-apron penalties, which means if they want to avoid harsh restrictions (like losing trade exceptions, pick penalties, and aggregation limitations), Holiday’s contract — $67.2M guaranteed with a $37.2M player option — could be the piece they offload.
This opens a narrow window. A three-team deal could help grease the wheels — one molded around Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and/or potentially Jarred Vanderbilt.
The hometown factor helps, too. Holiday attended Campbell Hall in North Hollywood and played two seasons at UCLA. If there’s ever a time for a homecoming, this summer might be it. But until Boston signals they’re open for business, this remains more of a fantasy than a realistic path forward.
3. Ayo Dosunmu — A Young Combo Guard With Two-Way Potential
Dosunmu is another 26-year-old combo guard who can even run small forward at times — he could grow to potentially be an All-Star, that’s how gifted he is. He can be great for transition offense and defense. He’s a gritty defender at 6’4″ with a 6’10” wingspan. His defense isn’t quite on the level of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, but he is a pest.
You have to pair Dosunmu with other defenders — it is a key difference that he performs well with an anchoring defense behind him to support his efforts, and the gravity isn’t as high on him. Shooting has also been a streaky part of his game. When Dosunmu’s on, he can get it going, but he’s a hesitant shooter.
If we can monitor his shot selection, we’ll have a dangerous two-way player on our hands for great value (making $7.5M this season). Making sure we get him to his spots and utilizing him where he best shoots, which is the top of the key (49%) and the right wing (45%), would maximize his play.
Most of his volume shots come from floaters and inside the paint, where he isn’t the most efficient, so that will also need some work. But we’ve seen the way JJ Redick has been able to utilize wings with poor touch around the rim, and I believe we can use Dosunmu the same — slashing from corners, which he also shoots a good volume from.