Lakers now have home-run signing to make thanks to NBA bottom-feeder

The Los Angeles Lakers, prioritizing defense despite having stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić, are actively seeking affordable defensive role players within the NBA's restrictive second-apron rules. An opportunity emerged when the Charlotte Hornets waived forward Josh Okogie after failing to trade him before his contract guarantee deadline.

Okogie is recognized as one of the league's top defensive guards but carries significant offensive limitations. His career shooting percentages—29.9% from three-point range and 40.6% overall—suppressed his market value. However, he showed recent improvement, hitting 34.8% from three last season and 38.1% in 25 games before joining Charlotte.

For the Lakers, Okogie would primarily serve as a regular-season wing defender, playing 10-12 minutes per game to preserve starters' energy. While not a playoff difference-maker, he offers rotational flexibility: his presence could ease trading players like Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent by absorbing minutes, and he provides coach JJ Redick another situational option. Offensively, any contribution would be a bonus, especially with James and Dončić creating opportunities.

Ultimately, signing Okogie is considered a low-risk move. If the Lakers view him as having more upside than current options like Shake Milton or Jordan Goodwin, acquiring him would be a straightforward decision given his defensive prowess and potential fit.