Targets Keep Falling Through! Media Suggest Lakers Take a Low-Cost Gamble on Ochai Agbaji and Bet on 3-and-D Wing Revival

The Lakers have remained active during the 2026 offseason, but they have missed out on several quality free agents including Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson. There are still players on the market who could be acquired on inexpensive contracts and help a team pursue a championship, and Ochai Agbaji is one of them.

The 26-year-old Agbaji is a typical 3-and-D wing. After playing for the Jazz, Raptors, and Nets, he has yet to receive a contract for the 2026-27 season and remains a free agent.

The Lakers can also start the new season with their current roster. However, if the front office believes the team needs another wing to maximize Luka Doncic's impact as the leader, Agbaji would be an excellent option. He could join on a minimum contract and provide shooting and defensive production off the bench.

Agbaji remains one of the quality free agents left on the market. Last season, he was traded from the Raptors to the Nets midseason, where he received more playing time and improved his three-point percentage to 34.9%. Standing 6-foot-5, he has solid defensive ability. At only 26 years old, he fits teams looking to strengthen their perimeter rotation, though he could first sign an Exhibit 10 contract and go to the G League while waiting for an official roster spot.

Agbaji was the No. 14 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 draft. This summer, some media outlets suggested that the Lakers pursue him and take a gamble on him returning to form. The article suggested that the Lakers should at least offer him a one-year contract, preferably with a team option for a second year. Agbaji may not necessarily produce immediate results, but he has the physical tools and potential of the 3-and-D wing the Lakers need.

Agbaji's three-point performance last season was a concern for the Lakers. However, the team has ball handlers such as Doncic and Reaves who can create many open looks, giving Agbaji a chance to regain his shooting touch. In the 2024-25 season, his three-point percentage reached 39.9%, proving his perimeter threat, though his form declined last season.

Last season, Agbaji appeared in 62 games combined for the Raptors and Nets, averaging 5.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. Compared with his career averages of 7.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists over his first four seasons, his individual statistics declined significantly.

The Lakers are turning their attention to Agbaji because their original free-agent targets were all taken by other teams.

Kuminga previously received a three-year offer from the Lakers, but ultimately chose to join the Timberwolves on a lower-paying contract.

Restricted free agent Watson was also a long-term target for the Lakers and moved to the Cavaliers through a sign-and-trade deal. The Lakers had been interested in acquiring him since before the trade deadline, and his two-way skill set fit the team's needs perfectly, but he ultimately headed to the Eastern Conference.

Nuggets championship member Bruce Brown was also viewed as a potential Lakers target, and he played all 82 regular-season games last season. However, sources said the Knicks have strong interest in Bruce Brown and want him to take on a Josh Hart-like role, with plans to add the veteran to strengthen the roster before training camp begins.

There are other candidates available in free agency, but if the Lakers determine they still lack depth at the wing position, Agbaji will remain on their list of options. The team needs to clear a roster spot before the October 1 deadline in order to sign him.

Agbaji is not the top player the Lakers could pursue this summer, but at this point in September, he is one of the best unsigned 3-and-D wing options still available on the market.