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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 back-up power forwards to pursue in free agency

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 03, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 03, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers had a lot of issues last season that resulted in the team having one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. One roster hole that was highlighted before the season began was the lack of a true backup power forward behind Anthony Davis.

Trevor Ariza was the closest thing to a backup power forward that the Lakers had on the roster to start the season and he did not play until December. Once he did play, it quickly became obvious that he was no longer fit to play minutes in an NBA rotation.

This lack of a backup power forward reared its ugly head in two ways. First, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis being so bad on the floor together was made worse by the fact that the team did not have another big it could play with the pair to help the floor spacing. Westbrook, Davis and a traditional center were downright awful.

Second, when Anthony Davis went down the team really didn’t have anyone that could step up and play minutes at the four. Having a true backup power forward would not have magically made the Lakers a contender but it would have helped.

The Los Angeles Lakers cannot make the same mistake in free agency this offseason.

Rob Pelinka and the front office have to ensure that they are targeting players who could successfully be a backup power forward for Anthony Davis next season. This is important to not only keep Davis fresh but give the Lakers true options with size behind him to play next to Westbrook.

The Lakers are limited with who they can bring in this summer as they can really only bring in minimum players and one taxpayer MLE guy (worth $6.4 million). Los Angeles might not be able to spend big but there are still options for the team to consider.

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