The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be on the verge of adding another weapon to their arsenal as reports indicate they are in advanced discussions to sign free agent sharpshooter Gary Trent Jr. As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the Lakers are laser-focused on surrounding their core stars—LeBron James and Anthony Davis—with the kind of offensive firepower that can open up the floor and take pressure off their aging superstar duo. Trent Jr., widely regarded as one of the better available perimeter scorers left on the market, fits that mission perfectly.
Gary Trent Jr. has been one of the more underrated names in NBA circles in recent years, quietly building a reputation as a knockdown three-point shooter and a capable wing defender. During his time with the Toronto Raptors, and before that with the Portland Trail Blazers, he carved out a niche as a high-volume scorer who could get hot in a hurry. Despite some inconsistencies in his overall game, his ability to stretch the floor has never been in question. With career averages of around 38% from beyond the arc and multiple seasons shooting over 40% on catch-and-shoot attempts, he presents exactly the kind of skill set the Lakers have lacked in recent seasons.
Los Angeles has made it clear since the end of last season that spacing was going to be a top priority this offseason. The 2024-25 campaign ended in disappointing fashion once again, with the Lakers’ halfcourt offense sputtering when opposing defenses packed the paint against LeBron and Davis. D’Angelo Russell, while a skilled offensive player, struggled with consistency from deep and often became unplayable in key defensive situations. Austin Reaves showed flashes but couldn’t carry the perimeter load on his own. With Trent Jr. potentially entering the fold, that narrative could change.
What makes this move particularly urgent for the Lakers is the ticking clock on LeBron James’ career. Entering his 23rd NBA season, James is defying time like few athletes ever have, but even he cannot carry the offensive burden he once did. The Lakers know they need to put elite shooting around him now—not tomorrow, not next season. The championship window with LeBron and AD healthy is still open, but it’s narrower than ever. By pursuing a player like Gary Trent Jr., Los Angeles signals to the league and to its fans that it is not interested in slow-played rebuilds or waiting on young talent to develop. This is about maximizing the present.
Trent Jr. also aligns well with head coach J.J. Redick’s expected offensive system. Redick, who enters his first season as head coach, is known for his cerebral understanding of modern NBA spacing and pace principles. During his playing days, Redick was one of the most dangerous shooters in the game, and his coaching philosophy will almost certainly reflect his strengths as a player: fast ball movement, off-ball screens, and three-point efficiency. Trent Jr. is tailor-made for that kind of offense. He thrives on moving without the ball, relocating for open looks, and punishing defenders who sag into the paint to help on star players.
Financially, the Lakers are walking a tightrope. With several mid-level contracts already on the books and LeBron opting into his $51.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, they don’t have unlimited room to maneuver. However, Trent Jr. is reportedly willing to accept a short-term deal, potentially even a one-plus-one contract that allows him to re-enter the market next summer. That kind of flexibility could be exactly what general manager Rob Pelinka needs to make the deal work within the constraints of the league’s increasingly punitive second apron rules.
Beyond the obvious fit and statistical upside, there’s a psychological and cultural component to this potential signing as well. The Lakers have long struggled to find role players who fully embrace the gravity of playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Trent Jr. brings a competitive fire and toughness that has been missing at times from Los Angeles’ roster. He doesn’t shy away from big moments and has shown an ability to hit tough shots under pressure. In the playoffs, when defenses clamp down and shot quality deteriorates, having a player who can create his own looks or calmly hit a contested corner three becomes invaluable.
This potential signing also sends a clear message to the rest of the Western Conference: the Lakers are not content to be a mid-tier playoff team. With Denver, Minnesota, and Oklahoma City continuing to rise, and teams like Golden State and Phoenix retooling, the arms race in the West is relentless. The Lakers’ front office seems to understand that marginal improvements aren’t going to cut it. They need tangible, impactful upgrades, and Gary Trent Jr. might just be that kind of addition.
It’s also worth noting that the Lakers’ young core could benefit immensely from Trent Jr.’s presence. Players like Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, and even Jalen Hood-Schifino are still developing. Having a seasoned, professional scorer to model their games after and compete with in practice can only elevate the overall environment in the locker room. Veteran leadership doesn’t always have to come from 35-year-olds—it can also come from players like Trent Jr., who are still in their prime but have already been through the grind of multiple NBA seasons.
