7 Best 3-Point Shooters The Lakers Could Acquire This Summer
7 Best 3-Point Shooters The Lakers Could Acquire This Summer originally appeared on Fadeaway World.
Despite boasting Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers' 2024-25 campaign ended in frustration: a dominant 50-32 record (Pacific Division champions) culminated in a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Timberwolves. The offense, averaging an average of 113.4 PPG (which ranked 19th), nonetheless showed cracks, mainly from the perimeter.
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While LA ranked 5th in three-point attempts at 36.4 per game, their 36.6% 3-point clip, 14th in the league, lagged behind elite contenders. To put it in comparison, the Cavaliers shot 38.3% and the Thunder shot 37.3%. Those two teams had the best records in the NBA.
Individually, LeBron chipped in 24.4 PPG, 8.2 APG, and a solid 37.6% from deep, while Luka bolstered the attack but struggled to draw enough perimeter support. Only Rui Hachimura (41.3%), Dorian Finney-Smith (39.8%), and Jordan Goodwin (38.2%) shot at least 38% from deep.
Finney-Smith has a $15,378,480 player option next season, and he might leave the team for a better contract. That means the Lakers don't have many sharpshooters around Doncic and James for next season, and moves have to be made.
With Luka's floor-spacing capabilities carrying much of the load, the Lakers need a reliable group of sharpshooters to stretch defenses and reduce opponents' ability to collapse at the rim. To elevate their ceiling in 2025-26, LA must surround its stars with knock-down shooters, ones who can convert at least 38% from deep while providing spacing, off-ball movement, and perhaps two-way value.
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Here are seven of the best three-point specialists the Lakers could target this summer to turn their perimeter woes into championship firepower.
1. Duncan Robinson
Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Contract Status: $19,888,000 Player Option
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Duncan Robinson
Miami Heat Receive: Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick
Duncan Robinson remains one of the league's purest catch-and-shoot specialists. In 74 games this past season with Miami, he averaged 11.0 PPG, knocked down 39.3% from three on 6.5 attempts per game, and chipped in 2.4 APG as a spark off the bench. He continues to be deadly when defenders overcommit; his career 39.7% 3PT-FG demonstrates sustained elite efficiency.
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Adding Robinson offers the Lakers a floor-spacer who excels in LeBron-Luka pick-and-pop actions, and it comes at a low cost if he opts out. While not a two-way force, his off-ball gravity helps reduce paint collapses, freeing up lanes for drives and kick-outs. A trade swapping Vincent, Kleber, and a second-rounder could net LA a veteran threat without mortgaging rotational depth.
2. Luke Kennard
Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Luke Kennard took another step as a reliable bench sniper this season in Memphis, posting 8.9 PPG, 47.8 FG%, and 43.3% from deep in a 6'5" frame that profiles well for spacing. His 3.3 APG also signals secondary playmaking chops, valuable in a rotational wing role.
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Kennard's motion off-ball and high-level shooting would slot neatly next to LA's stars. He can stretch the floor in baseline actions, spot-up in duels, and serve as a mid-range safety valve when defenses ignore him. If the Lakers land him on a team-friendly deal, Kennard offers steady returns in minutes and efficiency, plus a young veteran vibe that blends well into a competitive mix.
3. Naz Reid
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) looks down the court during a time out against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter during game one of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Contract Status: $15,022,464 Player Option
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Naz Reid
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick
Naz Reid delivered another solid campaign for Minnesota: 14.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 46.2% FG across 80 games, with serious impact off the bench as a stretch-five. His uptick in scoring versatility, even earning Sixth Man of the Year buzz last season, shows he can do more than just spot-up: he finishes around the rim and rolls well.
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For L.A., Reid represents a shift in frontcourt dynamics. At 6'9", he can stretch defenses with a 37.9% three-point shot, reducing drop-back pressure and opening rolling lanes. His decision, whether to exercise that player option, will hinge on opportunity and fit. In a role as possibly the new starting center, Reid offers shooting and scourge-proof size.
4. Gary Trent Jr.
Mar 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) dribbles defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Gary Trent Jr. finished hot in Milwaukee, averaging 11.1 PPG, 43.1% FG, and being a consistent rotational wing. He caught fire mid-season, shooting 41.6% from three on 5.9 attempts per game, working his way into the Bucks' closing lineups.
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Trent combines catch-and-shoot prowess with two-way effort; he defends with physicality and makes hustle plays. His late-season impact and playoff spark (with a 33-point outburst vs. Indiana) prove he can handle big moments. LA could lock him in on a 3-year deal (approx. $8–10M/year) and get both floor spacing and scrappy veteran presence.
5. Tim Hardaway Jr.
Mar 3, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) walks up the court during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Tim Hardaway Jr. continues to be a dependable perimeter threat, averaging 11.0 PPG, on 40.6% FG and 36.8% 3-PT FG, and chipping in on the weak side. While his scoring dipped from the mid-teens, he still offers veteran savvy and plays off playmakers well.
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Hardaway's shot creation and experience could give the Lakers stability at the 2/3 swap positions. He spaces the floor, cuts with purpose, and is comfortable in both bench and spot-start roles. A one-year prove-it contract might re-ignite his efficiency and stretch L.A.'s floor evenly around LeBron and Luka.
6. Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Apr 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) passes in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images© Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Nickeil Alexander-Walker posted 9.4 PPG, 43.8% FG, 38.1% 3PT-FG, and reputable playmaking (2.7 APG) across 82 games, as a multi-positional wing known for toughness. He also delivered in the 2025 playoffs, averaging 8.3 PPG and 2.3 APG over 16 contests.
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NAW brings positional versatility; he defends smaller wings, cuts aggressively, and keeps defenses honest from deep. If LA signs him, his size/skill combo adds another layer: a beam to rotate across 1-3 with moderate ball-handling and hustle elements. He's the type of glue role player that LA hasn't bolstered yet.
7. Chris Paul
Oct 15, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles the basketball against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
At age 40, Chris Paul led the San Antonio Spurs in assists (7.4 APG) and played all 82 games, averaging 8.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 42.7% FG, and 37.7% 3PT-FG. His durability (first to play all 82 at age 39+) and floor leadership remain hallmarks.
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Paul would provide L.A. with a lottery-tested floor general, both as an insurance for Luke and as a late-game veteran closer. His gravity, precision passing, and organizational impact, especially in late-clock situations, could be worth a veteran-minimum gamble. And yes, he still splashes triples at a solid clip.
Related: Lakers' Targets For Starting And Backup Center Roles Revealed
This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
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