Top 5 NBA free agents Lakers missed out on for LeBron James' potential final championship run

The 2024-25 season may be the last time LeBron James makes a go at another trophy, but the Lakers haven't dabbled in any big moves this offseason. The team struggled with bench play and three-point shooting last season, but the only moves they've made include re-signing James and Max Christie.

Here are five players they've missed out on so far that could have helped James get a fifth title.

#5. Jonas Valanciunas

Jonas Valanciunas signed a 3-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards. Image credit: Imagn

While the obvious needs for the Lakers lie beyond the three-point line, Valanciunas was one of the best free agents available and could have added another layer to the Lakers' offense.

In addition to getting reliable depth next to Anthony Davis, they could have explored exposing teams with a twin-tower lineup that sees Davis play at his preferred position.

Valanciunas averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game for the New Orleans Pelicans last year, and now he's going to help rookie No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr hold down the paint in Washington next season.

#4. Chris Paul

Chris Paul signed a 1-year, $10 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs. Image credit: Imagn

Chris Paul probably doesn't have enough left in the tank to start big minutes, nor would it make much sense to play him next to LeBron at this point in both their careers.

But Paul would have been an ideal fit for the second unit. The Lakers bench scored just 28.4 ppg last season, the third-worst rate in the entire league.

Paul could also contribute as a three-point shooter. He shot 37.1 percent from three last season.

#3. Gary Trent Jr.

Gary Trent Jr. signed a 1-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Image credit: Imagn

Trent Jr.'s overall scoring numbers were down last year, but he still shot 39.3 percent from three, making him one of the best shooters on the market. He would have had a chance to get back above 15 ppg as the team's premier three-point threat.

Now he's sliding in next to Damian Lillard to help bolster the Milwaukee Bucks backcourt and help fuel Giannis Antetokounmpo's next championship run.

#2. Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson signed a 3-year, $50 million sign-and-trade deal that sends him to the Dallas Mavericks. Image credit: Imagn

Klay Thompson, one of the most accomplished players available this offseason, is looking to prove himself next year with a new team in Dallas.

Fans weren't the only ones hoping Thompson would team up with James and Davis in LA, and he could have fit seamlessly into their starting lineup.

The Lakers were 24th in the league in three-pointers made last season. Thompson could have passed the 2,500-threes mark in purple and gold, but instead, he'll do it next to a different dynamic duo in Dallas.

#1. DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan signed a 3-year, $73,890,000 sign-and-trade (Credit: IMAGN)

The Compton native could have come home to chase a ring and take a load off the 39-year-old James and aging Anthony Davis.

DeMar DeRozan put up 24.0 ppg last season with the Chicago Bulls and never really made much noise in three seasons there. Apparently, the Lakers never made a suitable offer for the six-time All-Star.