The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly gearing up to make a bold move in the upcoming NBA free agency period, with their sights set on Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid. According to recent reports, the Lakers are prepared to offer Reid a lucrative three-year, $120 million contract, a deal that would signal their intent to bolster their frontcourt and elevate their championship aspirations. As the Lakers aim to maximize LeBron James’ championship window and complement Anthony Davis, Reid’s versatility, youth, and proven playoff performance make him an enticing target. However, this potential signing raises questions about fit, financial implications, and the Lakers’ long-term strategy.
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Naz Reid: A Rising Star in Minnesota
Naz Reid, a 26-year-old center, has emerged as one of the NBA’s most intriguing big men since going undrafted in 2019. After signing with the Timberwolves, Reid steadily developed into a key contributor, earning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award in 2024. Last season, he averaged 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, shooting an impressive 41.4% from three-point range on 5.0 attempts per game. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and provide energy off the bench has made him a valuable asset for Minnesota, particularly during their deep playoff runs alongside Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Reid’s playoff performances have further solidified his reputation. In the 2024 Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, he showcased his versatility, averaging 10.7 points and 4.1 rebounds while holding his own against elite competition. His combination of size (6’9”, 264 pounds), shooting touch, and hustle has drawn comparisons to modern stretch bigs like Myles Turner, making him a perfect fit for today’s pace-and-space NBA.
Why the Lakers Want Reid
The Lakers’ interest in Reid comes as no surprise given their roster needs. While Anthony Davis remains one of the league’s premier big men, the team has struggled to find a reliable complement in the frontcourt. Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers’ current backup centers, have been inconsistent, and the team lacks a true floor-spacing big to pair with Davis in twin-tower lineups. Reid’s ability to shoot from deep, protect the rim, and handle the ball in pick-and-roll situations would add a new dimension to the Lakers’ offense, creating more space for LeBron James and Austin Reaves to operate.
Moreover, Reid’s youth aligns with the Lakers’ need to balance their roster. At 40, LeBron James is still performing at an All-NBA level, but the team must plan for the future. Reid, who is entering his prime, could serve as a long-term building block alongside Davis (32) and younger talents like Reaves and Max Christie. A three-year, $120 million deal—averaging $40 million annually—reflects the escalating market for versatile bigs, with recent contracts like Isaiah Hartenstein’s three-year, $87 million deal with Oklahoma City setting a benchmark.
Financial and Roster Implications
Offering Reid a $120 million contract would push the Lakers deep into the luxury tax, a reality they’ve faced in recent years. With LeBron James ($48.7 million) and Anthony Davis ($43.2 million) already commanding significant cap space in the 2025-26 season, adding Reid’s projected $40 million salary would require creative cap management. The Lakers could use their mid-level exception or orchestrate a sign-and-trade with Minnesota, potentially involving players like D’Angelo Russell or draft assets, to make the deal work.
However, the financial commitment raises concerns. The new CBA’s punitive luxury tax penalties and apron restrictions could limit the Lakers’ ability to fill out the roster, especially if they retain other key players like Reaves. Additionally, Reid’s role would need clarification. As a bench player in Minnesota, he thrived in a 20-25 minute role. Would he start alongside Davis, or would he continue as a high-priced sixth man? The Lakers’ coaching staff, led by JJ Redick, would need to maximize Reid’s minutes to justify the investment.
Challenges and Risks
While Reid’s skill set is undeniable, the proposed deal carries risks. First, his $120 million price tag is a significant overpay compared to his current $14 million team option for 2025-26, which Minnesota is likely to exercise. The Timberwolves, fresh off a successful season, may counter with a competitive extension to keep Reid, especially given his chemistry with Edwards and Towns. Losing Reid to a rival like the Lakers would be a blow to Minnesota’s title hopes, and they may fight to retain him.
Second, Reid’s fit with the Lakers is not seamless. While his shooting and versatility are assets, he lacks the elite rim protection of a traditional center, which could strain Davis defensively. Additionally, Reid has never played in a market as intense as Los Angeles, where every move is scrutinized. The pressure to perform alongside James and Davis, under the bright lights of Crypto.com Arena, could test his mental toughness.
Fan and Social Media Reactions
The news of the Lakers’ interest in Reid has sparked lively discussions among fans. On social media platforms like X, Lakers supporters are divided. Some view Reid as the perfect modern big to elevate the team, with one user posting, “Naz Reid at $40M a year? Worth it if he’s hitting 40% from three and backing up AD.” Others question the cost, with another user writing, “$120M for a bench big? Lakers better be sure he’s the missing piece.” Timberwolves fans, meanwhile, are vocal about keeping Reid, emphasizing his role in their playoff success.
A Bold Move for a Championship Push
The Lakers’ reported pursuit of Naz Reid underscores their urgency to capitalize on LeBron James’ twilight years while building a sustainable contender. A three-year, $120 million deal would be a gamble, but Reid’s unique skill set—floor spacing, versatility, and playoff experience—makes him a tantalizing fit alongside Davis and James. If the Lakers can navigate the financial hurdles and secure Reid, they could solidify their frontcourt for the present and future, sending a message that they’re all-in for another championship.
However, the deal is far from done. Minnesota’s desire to retain Reid, combined with the Lakers’ cap constraints, could complicate negotiations. As free agency approaches, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if they can land their target and reshape their roster for a title run. For now, the prospect of Naz Reid in purple and gold is an exciting, if costly, possibility.