Lakers Target Buyout Stars Highsmith and Thomas

The Lakers made a single trade before Thursday’s deadline, sending Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick to Atlanta for Luke Kennard, then turned attention to the buyout market. Team and league sources say wing Haywood Highsmith is "a player of interest, provided his knee issues are resolved," and Cam Thomas is "another more polarizing option." The Nets waived both players; Thomas has averaged 15.6 points on 39.9 percent shooting this year but has a recent hamstring history, while Highsmith offers defense and 6.5 points on 45.8 percent shooting last season. Merlin sees Los Angeles balancing two needs: immediate scoring punch or a gritty, defensive wing. Thomas brings upside but health and consistency worry the oracle. Highsmith fits a playoff role if his knee checks out. Either move would reshape the bench and how Kennard’s spacing gets used.