3 reasons Naz Reid should be Rob Pelinka’s main target to complete Lakers super team

Naz Reid, the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year, is set to be one of the most coveted free agents this summer. Recent reports suggest that the 6-foot-9 big man is likely to decline his $15 million player option with the Minnesota Timberwolves, making him an intriguing prospect for several contenders, including Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers.

For the Lakers, adding a player like Naz Reid could be a game-changing move. Since trading Anthony Davis in the Luka Doncic deal, the Lakers have been searching for a dynamic and reliable big man to round out their roster. While they tried to acquire Mark Williams at the trade deadline, Reid’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim makes him an even more valuable target for LA’s front office.

With Karl-Anthony Towns now in New York and Julius Randle struggling with injuries, Reid has taken on a bigger role in Minnesota’s rotation this season. He is averaging 14.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting an elite 40.4% from three-point range. His skill set aligns perfectly with what the Lakers need to maximize their championship window with Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

Here’s why he will be the top target on Rob Pelinka and the Lakers free-agent boards

Naz Reid is the elite big man the Lakers need to pair with Luka Doncic & LeBron James

The Lakers have been one of the most aggressive teams in the NBA since acquiring Luka Doncic, making it clear that they are in full win-now mode. While their frontcourt depth was set to improve with the addition of Mark Williams, the deal broke down at the last minute due to health concerns.

However, Naz Reid’s skill set brings something even more valuable to the team’s dynamic. Unlike Williams, who would have primarily served as a lob threat and shot-blocker, Reid provides a more versatile offensive game. His ability to score inside, stretch the floor, and handle the ball makes him an ideal fit next to Doncic and James.

He offers the Lakers a combination of length, strength, and finesse that would allow them to remain competitive against bigger Western Conference teams like the Denver Nuggets and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Naz Reid provides key spacing for the Lakers’ offense

One of the biggest weaknesses in the Lakers’ roster construction has been consistent floor spacing, especially from the center position. While Anthony Davis was an elite defender and post player, his outside shooting was inconsistent. Naz Reid, on the other hand, is one of the best three-point shooting bigs in the league.

This season, he is shooting 40% from deep on nearly six attempts per game, making him an elite floor-spacing threat. His presence on the perimeter will open up driving lanes for both Luka Doncic and LeBron James, allowing them to attack the rim with more freedom.

Additionally, his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc would force opposing big men to step out of the paint, giving the Lakers more opportunities for high-percentage looks inside. Beyond his shooting, Reid’s offensive versatility means he can also attack defenders off the dribble, punish smaller matchups in the post, and make smart passes when needed. This level of offensive skill makes him an even better fit in the Lakers’ system under head coach JJ Redick.

Naz Reid’s defensive versatility would make him a worthy centerpiece of the Lakers’ defense

Defensively, Naz Reid may not be at the level of elite rim protectors like Rudy Gobert or Anthony Davis, but he brings a different kind of value to the Lakers. His ability to guard multiple positions, switch on pick-and-rolls, and provide weak-side shot-blocking makes him a crucial asset for a team looking to stay afloat on defense with an offensively driven squad.

JJ Redick has already experimented with a more switch-heavy defensive scheme and even zone defenses, which require long and lengthy wings to work wonders. Reid’s mobility allows him to thrive in such a system. He can hold his own against bigger centers while also being quick enough to defend perimeter players in certain situations. This kind of versatility will be crucial for the Lakers, especially when facing teams like the Nuggets, who feature a dominant offensive weapon in Nikola Jokic.

Additionally, Reid’s energy and effort on defense are invaluable. He is an aggressive rebounder and is not afraid to do the dirty work, which would complement the Lakers’ star-studded lineup perfectly. Even if he’s not a primary shot-blocker, his defensive IQ and ability to contest shots make him a significant upgrade over the Lakers’ current frontcourt depth with Alex Len and Jaxson Hayes.

With a relatively weak free-agent class in 2025, the Lakers need to be proactive in securing a player like Naz Reid. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and provide a consistent offensive presence would make him the perfect addition to their roster.

While Minnesota will certainly try to retain him, their financial situation could make it difficult to match offers from teams like the Lakers. If Rob Pelinka and the Lakers want to solidify themselves as true title contenders, they should make acquiring Reid their top priority in the offseason.

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