Lakers could add an elite defender in this potential free-agent target
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Lakers made the team’s first wave of signings on the first day of free agency and the team had obvious motivations. First of all, the front office is seemingly trying to build a younger team after signing four players under 30, two of which were under 25. It also helps that three of the four signings are also Klutch Sports clients.
While the biggest story surrounding the team is currently a possible Kyrie Irving trade, the lakers need to make sure that they are still addressing the needs that the roster has in free agency. And just like last season, there is still a glaring hole with how the team is constructed: defense.
The Lakers went from being one of the top defenses in the league to an uninspiring defensive team last season. Defense still matters as the two teams in the NBA Finals were the top two teams in defensive rating last season. The no. 1 team, the Golden State Warriors, took home the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Thus, the Lakers have to add players who can be positives on the defensive end and have to do so with minimum contracts. There are fewer options now than when free agency first started but there is still someone who the team should be in contact with as we speak.
The Los Angeles Lakers should sign Kris Dunn.
Kris Dunn has battled injuries the last two seasons and that has hurt his standing in the NBA as well as his worth on the free-agent market. The former fifth-overall pick has played just 18 games combined over the last two seasons.
Dunn’s last full season was the 2019-20 season in which he played 51 of the Bulls’ 65 games. In those 51 games, Dunn showcased that he is one of the best defensive guards in the league, posting a 3.1 Defensive Box Plus/Minus. Those are Alex Caruso numbers.
Dunn could be a similar presence on the Lakers as Caruso. He is a hustle defender that can force turnovers and constantly gives his all on the defensive end. Heck, Dunn averages a staggering 2.3 steals per 36 minutes, which is nothing to scoff at.
The 28-year-old recently worked out with the Washington Wizards in their summer league camp but has not signed a deal with any team at the time of writing this article. While he does have his offensive limitations, the Lakers cannot afford to let this opportunity to get a potentially elite defensive player pass.
He is under 30, plays elite defense, is a former lottery pick (so he has pedigree) and would be available on the minimum. The Lakers have 15 roster spots to fill out and right now there are 12 players on the books.
There is room for Dunn and the Lakers should explore the possibility of adding him.