Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has done a great job of putting together a roster that should contend for the world championship this upcoming season. However, there could be one remaining hole.
Going into this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers had many weaknesses to fill, and it seems like they filled them.
A second superstar? Check (Anthony Davis)
3-point shooters? Check (Danny Green, Quinn Cook, Troy Daniels, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Avery Bradley, Alex Caruso, Jared Dudley)
Perimeter defenders? Check (Green and Dudley)
Someone who can guard small guards? Check (Bradley)
A guard who can create shots for himself? Check (Bradley)
A true point guard who makes plays for others? Check (Rajon Rondo)
A decent center? Check (Javale McGee)
Guys who have won championships? Check (Rondo, Green, Cook and McGee)
A wild card who could outperform his contract? Check (DeMarcus Cousins)
The Lakers could have the best roster in the NBA right now, or at least one of the three best ones. But what could be missing?
In order to win their first world championship since 2010, they’ll likely have to deal with star forwards with length, such as Paul George, Ben Simmons and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Who on this roster can effectively guard them?
If Anthony Davis is the starting 4 as many expect, he will likely guard them from the starting tip. But what about when he goes to the bench or is playing the 5?
Green is an excellent defender, but he is only 6-foot-6. Perhaps Dudley can do it, as he weighs 237 pounds and is super annoying to go up against, but he himself is only 6-foot-7.
The Lakers have been rumored to be interested in Andre Iguodala, and the interest may be mutual. The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to trade him, but if they fail to do so, they may waive him.
Could Iguodala be the guy who can check guys a few inches taller than him?
Other than that, if this actually becomes a problem for the Lakers, they may have to look to the buyout market during the season or look to swing a trade. Luckily, with at least a dozen guys on their roster who can contribute in a positive manner, they could be set up nicely for a midseason deal should a defensive forward with length be available.