Jeremy Sochan might be the best option available to help the Lakers’ defensive issues. He’s not the perfect player, but his skillset might be just what Los Angeles needs to make a deep playoff push.
According to Shams Charania, the San Antonio Spurs moved on from Sochan after exploring trade possibilities, making him available to teams seeking defensive help. The timing is notable for the Lakers, who have been searching for ways to stabilize their defense without making a major roster shakeup. A low-risk pickup like Sochan fits that profile.
The San Antonio Spurs and forward Jeremy Sochan have agreed on his release to allow the 2023 All-Rookie team member to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. Sochan is expected to decide among multiple interested teams. pic.twitter.com/ilLIWLz7gb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 11, 2026
Why Sochan Makes Sense for the Lakers
At 6’8” with mobility and defensive instincts, Sochan is built for the modern NBA. He can guard multiple positions, switch onto wings, and bring the kind of physical energy that often sets the tone for second units. That’s been one of the Lakers’ biggest issues this season — they’ve had size and skill, but not enough consistent defensive disruption on the perimeter.
He also fills a clear rotational gap. When the Lakers struggle defensively, it often comes down to a lack of athletic forwards who can switch and recover. Sochan’s presence alone would give the coaching staff another body to throw at scoring wings, especially in playoff-style matchups where every possession matters.
The Offensive Limitation
The biggest knock on Sochan is his shooting. It’s inconsistent, and defenses are comfortable sagging off him, especially from three. That can tighten spacing in half-court sets, and he’s not someone you rely on for shot creation.
But at this point in the season, the Lakers don’t have the luxury of being picky. The free agent market is thin. Most available players are older veterans, limited athletes, or one-dimensional specialists. There simply aren’t many young, switchable forwards available who can realistically help a team defensively right now. That makes Sochan, even with his offensive flaws, one of the more appealing options.
If the Lakers want to make noise in the playoffs, they need help on the perimeter. They’ve struggled to consistently stay in front of quick guards and athletic wings, and that weakness gets exposed even more in postseason matchups. Sochan doesn’t solve everything, but he gives them another defender who can switch, pressure the ball, and bring physical intensity.
Off-Court Beef
One wrinkle that makes this situation interesting is Sochan’s past. He has posted tweets that were critical of LeBron. He also had a physical on-court altercation with Jarred Vanderbilt during a game, another current Laker.
On paper, that might sound like a locker room concern. But LeBron has a long history of teaming up with players he’s clashed with before. Patrick Beverley built a reputation antagonizing him before becoming a Laker. Lance Stephenson spent years getting under his skin in playoff series, only to later share a locker room with him. In both cases, once they were teammates, the focus shifted to winning.
The NBA is a business, and if a player helps a team compete, past tension tends to fade. In fact, Sochan’s edge and competitiveness might be exactly the kind of defensive attitude the Lakers have been missing.
Someone Has to Go
The Lakers don’t currently have an open roster spot. After signing Kobe Bufkin, adding Sochan would require waiving someone.
The most logical candidate to be waived would be Maxi Kleber. Kleber was brought in for frontcourt depth and floor spacing, but his role has been limited. If the Lakers prioritize defense and athleticism over stretch shooting, Sochan offers a more dynamic option, especially for a team looking to get faster and more disruptive on defense.
A Low-Risk Bet With Real Defensive Upside
Sochan is still young, still developing, and still trying to find the right role in the league. That makes him exactly the kind of buyout candidate contenders like to take chances on — someone with tools, energy, and something to prove.
For the Lakers, the formula is simple. They need defense. They need switchability. They need players who can bring physical intensity without needing touches. Jeremy Sochan checks those boxes.
If the Lakers are serious about tightening up their perimeter defense before the playoffs, this is the type of under-the-radar move that could quietly make a difference.
