There are two known quantities the Los Angeles Lakers still desire at this point of the NBA offseason. The Lakers want a starting-caliber forward and the franchise has also been known to be exploring a boost to the frontcourt. Between the two, one is clearly more of a must-have.
If the Lakers got themselves a starting forward, they could essentially reorganize their depth chart in a way that solves the backup center problem internally. It is not all too hard to wrap one's head around this one either. That makes chasing one more guy on the wings far more important.
At center, Walker Kessler will soak up the majority of the minutes. Beyond the highly-priced big man, adding a definitive fifth starter should firmly push Sandro Mamukelashvili toward a role off the bench. That gives the Lakers the both him and Kevon Looney to consider on any given night.
Is a tandem of Mamu and Looney at the backup center spot the most exciting of combinations? Perhaps not. Even so, it is a workable solution that can be adjusted and deployed relative to the matchup they are facing on any given night.
A new forward allows Sandro Mamukelashvili and Kevon Looney to split Lakers' backup center minutes
Whether it is Jonathan Kuminga, P.J. Washington, or anyone else the Lakers can get their hands on, a starting forward solution is necessary. Los Angeles can look to solve that starting spot with one of their current internal options, but there is far more uncertainty with those players than adding someone who is available via free agency or trade.
The Lakers do not have strong means to secure both a starting forward and a backup center via trade. If push comes to shove and the franchise is forced to pick between one or the other, all the reasoning here suggests the decision should not be all too difficult for Los Angeles.
There are certain matchups that will demand more physicality at the five. Those are the games when Looney can step in as the backup center and give the Lakers his hard-nosed brand of basketball.
For the contests where JJ Redick can be afforded a little more liberty with what a backup center looks like, Mamukelashvili is capable of getting the job done. His defensive limitations at the five do not hinder the Lakers as severely when the opposing matchup is not demanding a more typical big man.
Could the Lakers still look to add another center to strengthen the depth overall? Sure.
However, the priority here is clear when the means to acquire more talent is limited. The forward need outweighs the center concern.
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