The Lakers have been linked to plenty of familiar names, but a few under-the-radar options are beginning to surface. According to Jovan Buha, three players in particular stand out as dark-horse options: Ochai Agbaji, Justin Champagnie, and Sadiq Bey.
Ochai Agbaji
Agbaji has a lot of what you want from a role player in the wing position: defense across multiple positions, low-maintenance offense, and real shooting potential. He hasn’t reached his potential yet, but he could thrive in a winning environment.
On-Court Fit
- Low-usage spot-up roles next to Luka and LeBron
- Chasing shooters and easing pressure off Austin Reaves
- Guarding the 2–3 spots, where LA’s depth is thinner
Agbaji’s athleticism and defensive range give him a pathway to becoming a playoff fifth starter. For a team that needs long-term wing depth, he’s the most scalable piece of the three.
Justin Champagnie
Champagnie is the biggest long shot of the trio, but he fits what the Lakers lack: energy, cutting, rebounding, and dirty-work defense. He’s a potential 3-and-D flyer that a lottery team might be willing to move cheaply.
On-Court Fit
- Plays hard every possession, which matters on a veteran team
- Attacks the glass as an active wing rebounder
- Doesn’t need touches, letting Luka and LeBron orchestrate
- Can guard bigger wings, adding some much-needed physicality
Champagnie isn’t a shooter yet, but if the Lakers wants a low-cost energy wing similar to the early-career versions of Jarred Vanderbilt or Josh Green, this is the profile.
Sadiq Bey
Of the three names, Bey is the most established NBA player. He’s an actual playoff rotation wing with size who can guard up and knock down open shots. He’s inconsistent defensively, but the combination of strength, length, and scoring makes him a more realistic win-now upgrade.
On-Court Fit
- Strong corner shooter
- Better self-creation than most role players, helping stabilize bench units
- Capable of guarding 3s and small 4s
- Big enough to survive switching schemes
He’s not a perfect fit. JJ Redick emphasizes defensive discipline, which is something Bey doesn’t always bring. But he checks enough boxes to help them now and in the future.
Final Thoughts
These three players aren’t household names. But that’s the opportunity: their value lies in how attainable they are.
Their contracts and situations make them accessible without overpaying. Bringing in a player like this means you’re likely adding to your playoff rotation without giving up one of your trusted players. For a contender, getting better without losing anyone who matters is a win.
In a crowded Western Conference where margins matter, LA doesn’t just need stars. They need players who make the Luka–LeBron–Reaves core cleaner, more balanced, and more matchup-proof.
