Khris Middleton is a realistic option for the Lakers to add to their roster. Los Angeles always seem to be lacking depth. They are often too reliant on their stars, and eventually that mileage starts to show. That’s why it’s important to add as much reliable talent as possible to be able to compete with the league’s best. They’ll likely be active in the trade market, but this year, they can also explore the buyout market.
According to Evan Sidery, Khris Middleton is a strong buyout candidate with the Washington Wizards. Middleton is on a $33.2 million expiring contract, and a buyout would allow him to join a contender’s rotation at a much cheaper number — a door now open for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are finally below the apron and eligible to sign buyout players.
Khris Middleton is a very strong buyout candidate for the Wizards closer to February’s trade deadline.
Middleton, currently on a large $33.2 million expiring contract, would then be able to join a title contender’s rotation in a bench role at a significantly cheaper figure. pic.twitter.com/0lfnd9AzfK
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 19, 2025
A Washed Middleton
Khris Middleton is no longer the same player who closed out the finals for Milwaukee. Since his injuries, he hasn’t been the same two-way player that was the Robin to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Batman.
But the Lakers don’t need him to be a star. They wouldn’t even be asking him to defend elite scorers for 35 minutes. They’d simply be asking him to space the floor, defend smart with his positional size and length, and help the team survive minutes without their stars on the floor.
What Middleton Can Actually Give the Lakers
Middleton helps simply by knowing how to play. He can shoot off the catch and can operate from the elbows. He understands when to cut, when to hold, and when to swing the ball. That kind of basketball IQ matters in playoff games where every possession feels heavier.
He also brings his champion experience and a veteran presence to the locker room. Middleton has spent his career fitting around greatness. That muscle memory doesn’t disappear.
Why This Only Works as a Buyout
Of course, none of this works if you’re giving up assets for him. Losing draft picks or young players for Middleton doesn’t make any sense and could prevent you from making better deals in the future.
But adding him as a buyout player is a low-risk move that could have big rewards in the postseason. The Lakers don’t need Middleton to save them. They need him to steady things when the game gets ugly.
