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Lakers rumors: New top free agent target emerges after LeBron James leaves
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- Lakers rumors: New top free agent target emerges after LeBron James leaves
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Lakers rumors: New top free agent target emerges after LeBron James leaves appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
With LeBron James officially moving on in free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers are beginning to identify potential reinforcements around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves .
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According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers have expanded their list of free-agent targets to include Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili and Philadelphia 76ers wing Quentin Grimes .
"Last night we reported the Lakers' rising interest in Toronto free agent Sandro Mamukelashvili . Now league sources tell @JakeLFischer and me that Philadelphia 's Quentin Grimes is emerging as another top Lakers target," Stein posted on his X account.
Mamukelashvili is coming off the best season of his NBA career after emerging as an important member of Toronto's frontcourt rotation. The versatile big man averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 52.3% from the field in 80 regular-season games. Although his role diminished during the Raptors' seven-game playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers , he remains one of the more intriguing frontcourt options available in free agency.
Grimes would provide the Lakers with another two-way option on the wing. After joining the Philadelphia 76ers midway through the 2024-25 season, he averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season while shooting 33% from 3-point range. His postseason offensive production dipped to 6.7 points per game, but he remained an efficient perimeter shooter, knocking down 40% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
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The Lakers' pursuit of additional talent comes after James informed the organization through his agent, Rich Paul, that he will not return next season. His departure opens approximately $52 million in salary cap space, giving Los Angeles the flexibility to reshape its roster around Doncic and Reaves.
Whether the Lakers ultimately land Mamukelashvili, Grimes or both, the organization appears intent on surrounding its new franchise cornerstone with versatile contributors capable of complementing Doncic's playmaking.
Related: Lakers rumors: LA expected to sign Sandro Mamukelashvili, Brian Windhorst says
Related: The biggest trade Lakers must make after losing LeBron James in free agency
