The Lakers are looking to add a “difference-making playmaker” and more perimeter shooting heading into the draft and free agency, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Starting point guard Dennis Schroder is a restricted free agent and top reserve Alex Caruso is entering unrestricted free agency. 
Finding the type of facilitator that Stein mentioned would allow Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis to spend more time playing power forward and center, respectively, perhaps saving some wear and tear on their bodies.
While Stein didn’t float any names, forward Kyle Kuzma has been mentioned in trade rumors and could potentially be involved in a package to bring back a pressing need. The Lakers have also been linked to veteran point guard Kyle Lowry, an unrestricted free agent.
Meanwhile, Lakers legend James Worthy recently addressed the need to add perimeter shooting to what has been a fairly inconsistent cast in that area.
“That’s the frustrating thing knowing that they can shoot. When (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is) in that corner knocking down shots, it’s always a good thing,” Worthy said on Spectrum Sportsnet, via TalkBasket. “I think even Caruso improved his shooting from outside. There were good signs of (Wesley) Matthews from time to time.
“So we know if the offense is flowing correctly and they’re healthy and everybody’s on the floor, when AD’s in there to join the double-teams, LeBron is collapsing defense, they shoot well. But they really need to really answer that ’cause they didn’t do as well as they should have. I know they had some guys out, injuries, stuff like that. But still 3-point shooting is something they need.”
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka alluded to the idea that changes are on the way immediately after the season.
“We have an insatiable desire and passion to bring banner No. 18 here,” Pelinka told reporters. “And we’re excited about the work we’re going to commence to get that done for our fans and for the organization.”
“Jeanie [Buss] and the ownership group has empowered the front office to do one thing, and that’s to smartly build a roster to win championships. I think next year, of course, hopefully, with all of our fans being able to come back and be a part of the building, we owe them the work to start the process of retooling and have a championship-caliber team that can do special things next year.”
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