The Los Angeles Lakers are operating at a relentless pace, much like a kid on a sugar rush. General manager Rob Pelinka has been making non-stop moves, and there’s no telling when the action will slow down. While the Lakers are no strangers to dominating NBA headlines, their recent streak of transactions has taken things to another level.
The chaos began with the jaw-dropping Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, followed by the acquisition of Mark Williams—another major move that signaled the team’s all-in approach. However, things took an unexpected turn when Williams failed his physical, derailing Pelinka’s carefully laid plans after the trade deadline had passed.
In an effort to find a replacement for Anthony Davis, Pelinka brought in Alex Len. While this move didn’t carry the same weight as his previous transactions, it demonstrated the front office’s unwillingness to settle despite the setback.
Even the All-Star weekend didn’t pass without drama for the Lakers. LeBron James withdrew from the game at the last minute, citing foot and ankle issues. While his reasoning was valid, the timing of his decision frustrated many, especially since it prevented a deserving player like Domantas Sabonis or Norm Powell from taking his spot.
Despite all of this, the Lakers have been in excellent form, winning 12 of their last 15 games and securing a solid position in the Western Conference playoff race.
With the All-Star break now over, Lakers news continues to dominate discussions. While the team has already picked up Len in the buyout market, they likely aren’t finished making moves. After discussing potential signings yesterday, today we’re focusing on three players they should avoid.
1. Bones Hyland
Most experts predict that the Lakers will target another big man in the buyout market, but Bones Hyland—who stands at just 6-foot-2—isn’t the right fit.
The departure of Max Christie, who was included in the Anthony Davis trade, left a gap in the Lakers’ rotation. On the surface, Hyland might seem like a solid option to replenish that depth, but his declining role since joining the Clippers is a major concern.
Unlike Christie, Hyland isn’t known for his two-way abilities. While he has a reputation as a scorer, his production has been underwhelming, averaging fewer than eight points per game with the Clippers.
Beyond his stats, Hyland’s attitude could also pose a problem. He has been regarded as a player who overestimates his own abilities, struggling to mesh with teammates—even Nikola Jokic. The Clippers, who are currently trailing the Lakers in the standings, had no hesitation in sending him to Atlanta in the Bogdan Bogdanovich trade.
If the Lakers pursue a buyout wing, better options are available.
2. P.J. Tucker
Say what you will about P.J. Tucker, but he certainly racks up frequent flyer miles. The veteran forward, who entered the league in 2006, has been traded four times in the last two weeks—moving from the Clippers to the Jazz, then to the Heat, and finally landing with the Raptors, where he began his career.
Although Tucker hasn’t been bought out yet, it’s only a matter of time before it happens. He will likely join a playoff team in need of veteran leadership, but that doesn’t align with the Lakers’ needs.
At 38, Tucker is one of the oldest active players in the league—second only to LeBron James. The Lakers, who just made a franchise-altering move for Doncic, are focused on maintaining their competitive edge. Do they really need to add another veteran at this stage?
Age alone wouldn’t be an issue if Tucker was still producing at a high level, but his impact has diminished. He hasn’t played a game this season and hasn’t averaged more than 3.5 points per game since 2021-22. Unless LeBron is looking for a court-side father figure for Bronny, Tucker simply isn’t a fit for this roster.
3. Cody Zeller
Luka Doncic reportedly made it clear that he prefers playing with an athletic, rim-running big—similar to what he had in Dallas. That’s precisely why Pelinka moved swiftly to acquire Mark Williams. But with that deal falling apart, the need for such a player has only become more urgent.
Jaxson Hayes possesses some of those qualities, but beyond him, the Lakers lack a reliable lob threat. In fact, Hayes delivered the first two baskets of the “Luka era” via alley-oops.
Cody Zeller, however, has never been an above-the-rim player, and that’s not about to change—especially given that he’s been sidelined all season with a shoulder injury. While the Rockets haven’t officially waived him, they already have Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams, making it unlikely that Zeller has a future with the team.
Pelinka is likely hesitant to take another injury risk after the Mark Williams situation. But even beyond that, Zeller doesn’t offer anything that Hayes and Len can’t already provide. Signing him would be more about keeping busy than making an impact.
If the Lakers do decide to add another big, it needs to be someone who fits Doncic’s style of play or brings a unique skill set to the team. Zeller simply doesn’t check those boxes.
