NBA Offseason Rumors: The Los Angeles Lakers may sign a former Boston Celtics standout guard for $76.5 million to strengthen

The Los Angeles Lakers have always been a team in the spotlight, and with their historic franchise and championship aspirations, their offseason moves are closely monitored by fans, analysts, and insiders alike. As the 2025 NBA offseason draws near, the Lakers are once again looking to make a splash in free agency to build a championship-contending roster. With LeBron James aging but still performing at an elite level, Anthony Davis continuing to battle injury concerns, and Luka Dončić establishing himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars, the Lakers are in an all-too-familiar position: looking to fill gaps, add depth, and strengthen their chances of making a deep postseason run.

As is typical in the NBA, rumors are swirling about potential offseason acquisitions, and the latest buzz centers around a former Boston Celtics standout guard. According to several sources, the Lakers are in active discussions to sign the guard to a deal worth $76.5 million, a move that could have significant implications for the team’s future. This rumored signing has generated plenty of excitement and intrigue, as it addresses several areas of need for the Lakers while also adding a proven talent to their already star-studded roster.

In this piece, we’ll break down the potential acquisition of this former Celtics guard, analyze how this move could strengthen the Lakers’ championship aspirations, and explore the broader context of the team’s offseason plans.

The Target: A Former Celtics Standout Guard

The player at the center of this offseason rumor is none other than Jayson Tatum’s former backcourt mate, the dynamic guard whose standout performances have turned him into one of the NBA’s most sought-after free agents. The player in question, who played a key role for the Celtics over the past several seasons, has the ability to be an immediate difference-maker for any contender, and the Lakers are reportedly the frontrunners to sign him.

While the specifics of the deal are still uncertain, the proposed $76.5 million figure is a substantial one, indicating the type of player the Lakers are targeting. This contract would likely span multiple years, providing the Lakers with the flexibility to make other moves while also securing a player who could contribute both in the short term and the long term.

In evaluating the potential signing, it’s important to highlight the player’s previous accomplishments, especially during his time with the Celtics. A guard who has excelled as both a scorer and facilitator, this player possesses the ability to create his own shot, stretch the floor with three-point shooting, and play a key role in orchestrating an offense. His defensive tenacity, leadership qualities, and clutch performances in critical moments further enhance his value as a potential fit for the Lakers.

In the next sections, we’ll analyze how this guard’s skills could complement the existing Lakers roster and elevate the team’s chances of competing for an NBA championship.

Filling the Gap: Strengthening the Lakers’ Backcourt

One of the Lakers’ most pressing needs has been improving their backcourt depth. Over the years, the team has largely relied on LeBron James to act as a primary ball-handler and playmaker. While LeBron’s versatility and ability to play multiple positions have been key to the team’s success, there has been a consistent need for a true point guard who can run the offense and allow LeBron to focus more on scoring and leadership. Entering the 2025 season, the Lakers are well aware of this gap and have been rumored to pursue a point guard or combo guard who can both handle the ball and space the floor.

This former Celtics standout guard would fill that role perfectly. With his experience as a playmaker and scorer, he would provide the Lakers with the balance they’ve been searching for in the backcourt. His ability to create shots off the dribble and his proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations would allow the Lakers to run a more dynamic offense. Furthermore, his defensive ability would shore up a Lakers backcourt that has sometimes struggled to contain opposing perimeter players.

In addition, this player’s experience in high-stakes playoff games makes him an ideal candidate for the Lakers’ championship aspirations. Throughout his career with the Celtics, he has faced some of the league’s toughest teams in the postseason, gaining invaluable experience that could help the Lakers when it matters most. His ability to handle the pressure of big moments would provide much-needed poise in the postseason, where every possession counts.

By adding this former Celtics guard, the Lakers would immediately upgrade their backcourt and give themselves more flexibility in terms of lineups. This would allow LeBron James to conserve energy throughout the regular season and shift the burden of playmaking to a capable second ball handler. The dynamic of having multiple players who can initiate offense, including Luka Dončić, LeBron, and now this guard, would create matchup nightmares for opposing teams.

Spacing the Floor and Enhancing Offensive Efficiency

One of the most critical aspects of a championship-contending team is offensive efficiency, and a key component of that efficiency is floor spacing. In modern NBA basketball, having shooters who can stretch the floor is a must, and the Lakers have already seen the value of that in recent seasons with players like Malik Beasley and D’Angelo Russell.

The rumored Celtics guard would offer an upgrade in this department as well. Known for his ability to shoot from beyond the arc, the player has consistently shot above 36% from three-point range throughout his career. His ability to knock down perimeter shots not only improves the Lakers’ overall spacing but also gives them another weapon to complement their stars. Whether it’s running pick-and-roll with Luka or playing off the ball with LeBron, this guard’s shooting will be key to keeping defenses honest and opening up lanes for penetration and passing.

Additionally, his ability to create for others will add a layer of versatility to the Lakers’ offense. While Dončić and LeBron will likely dominate the ball, having another guard who can both score and facilitate gives the Lakers more flexibility. This player’s ability to run an offense and set up teammates for easy baskets in transition or half-court sets will be invaluable in the postseason, where matchups often slow down and every possession becomes more deliberate.

The key to a championship-winning team is the ability to execute efficiently on offense, and by adding a talented and versatile guard to the mix, the Lakers can improve their scoring options and make their offense harder to defend.

Defense: An All-Around Threat

The Lakers have always prided themselves on being a defensive juggernaut, and their roster has reflected that with players like Anthony Davis, who has been a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and LeBron James, whose ability to guard multiple positions is well-documented. Adding a player with defensive chops in the backcourt is an important move, especially as the Lakers look to compete against high-scoring teams in the West.

This former Celtics guard has been known for his defensive tenacity, often tasked with guarding some of the league’s best perimeter players. Whether it’s contesting shots, making steals, or disrupting offensive flow, he is a strong presence on that end of the floor. His ability to guard opposing point guards, shooting guards, and even small forwards would add another layer of defensive versatility to the Lakers’ already stout defense.

The Lakers’ defense could become even more formidable with the addition of this player, especially in key moments when stopping the ball and making stops becomes essential. His defensive skill set would complement the Lakers’ frontcourt, and his ability to disrupt ball movement and force turnovers would help generate fast-break opportunities, further enhancing the Lakers’ transition game.

Salary Cap Flexibility and Long-Term Planning

The proposed deal for the Celtics guard — reportedly worth $76.5 million — represents a significant investment in the future of the franchise. However, it also reflects the Lakers’ commitment to building a sustainable contender for years to come. While this deal would tie up a substantial portion of the salary cap, it would still leave room for the Lakers to make additional moves if needed.

The Lakers have wisely built their roster around flexibility, and signing this guard would give them a high-quality player without completely depleting their cap space. This ensures that the team has the resources to continue adding complementary pieces if necessary, particularly if they look to upgrade other areas of the roster, such as their bench depth or another starting-caliber player.

Moreover, by signing this player to a multi-year deal, the Lakers can lock down a key piece for their championship run in 2025 and beyond. The combination of Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and this former Celtics guard would give the Lakers a formidable core that can compete with the best of the West, and the front office will have the financial flexibility to continue tweaking the roster as needed.

The Lakers’ Path to Championship Contention

The Los Angeles Lakers have always been a team with championship aspirations, and their approach to building a competitive roster is rooted in finding the right pieces to complement their superstar core. Adding this former Celtics guard would be a major move in the Lakers’ pursuit of their 18th NBA championship. His playmaking, shooting, defense, and experience would make the Lakers a more balanced and dangerous team, capable of contending with the top teams in the league.

For the Lakers, success begins with securing home-court advantage, establishing chemistry among their stars, and adding the right pieces to strengthen their roster. The rumored signing of this guard would give them an immediate boost, and with the core they are assembling, the Lakers are well-positioned to challenge for another NBA title in 2025. Whether or not the deal materializes, the mere mention of this potential signing is enough to get fans excited about the possibilities of what could be another championship run for the storied franchise.