The Los Angeles Lakers entered the buyout market after completing the trade that brought luke kennard to the roster, leaving at least one open spot to address wing depth following the trade deadline, according to coverage of the move.
Broad coverage noted the team should be active in free agency to shore up its rotation, and one specific target emerged as a clear follow up to the Kennard deal. Michael Scotto reported that Haywood Highsmith was waived by the Brooklyn Nets.
Scotto added reporting from the player's camp, and agent Jerry Dianis told HoopsHype that Highsmith is healthy, has returned to 5-on-5 work, and was set to make his season debut following meniscus surgery. The same coverage described Highsmith as drawing interest from several playoff teams.
Highsmith was described as a former Miami Heat forward who, when available, offered three‑point shooting and dependable defensive play. As reported, he averaged 6.5 points per game while shooting 45.8 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from beyond the arc during his last full season.
Implications And Fit For The Lakers
Adding Highsmith would directly address the Lakers' stated wing need after the luke kennard trade by supplying a plug‑and‑play 3-and-D piece, the coverage argued. The report suggested Los Angeles values his perimeter defense more than his creation, and envisioned him slotting into spot minutes around established scorers.
The analysis noted Highsmith is not a primary shot creator and would rely on playmakers to generate open looks, a dynamic the Lakers could exploit. The package of shooting and defense was framed as a potentially useful, low‑risk addition late in the season, while expectations for buyout signings were urged to remain tempered.
The recent coverage urged cautious optimism, noting buyout players are available for reasons and pointing to Alex Len last season as an example of how outcomes can vary. Still, sources suggested that if Highsmith resembles his pre‑injury form he would be a sensible complement to Los Angeles' rotation as it heads into the postseason window.
