As things stand, the Los Angeles Lakers are projecting to begin the 2025-26 season with a starting lineup of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and DeAndre Ayton. That group immediately cries out for a capable point of attack defender that can start and play heavy minutes.
It was something that Khobi Price highlighted when joining Buha's Block as a guest for a recent episode. Someone who can knock down threes offensively, playing a minimal role on that end, but hone in on the opposing team's dangerous offensive guards is the biggest thing missing right now, according to Price.
"The guy who you can say, night in and night out, regardless of the matchup, 'Alright, you're going to guard him and then we can figure out our defensive matchups from behind that,' ... that's the biggest hole," Price said. "... I don't think you're going to get that kind of player with a bi-annual exception."
The Lakers writer mentioned looking through the available free agents and there were no players who fit that mold that are of 'starting caliber.' What should be obvious to most from here is that the Lakers need to fill this void through trade.
Offseason trade market requires in-depth exploration for Lakers
The immediate name that stuck out to many, including the Lakers front office, when it came to addressing the issue in the starting lineup was Andrew Wiggins. However, Rob Pelinka quickly found out Pat Riley and the Miami Heat were still as notoriously difficult to negotiate with as ever.
Jovan Buha, himself, highlighted the reported asking price for the services of Wiggins. It was one that should make anyone immediately hang up the phone and block that number.
“I don't know if Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, Shake Milton & a first gets you Andrew Wiggins. I've shared what I've heard which is that Miami has been asking for a first & Dalton Knecht. I think they also want Rui Hachimura too because they want to remain competitive.” - @jovanbuha https://t.co/8I5QsIEjy8 pic.twitter.com/iO8CjhbBA1
— Dru (@dru_star) July 3, 2025
Targeting a star like Derrick White is probably out of the question after the Boston Celtics were reportedly just as difficult with their trade demands. Jake Fischer claimed the Celtics asking for a 'Mikal Bridges-type' of trade package with one interested team. The Lakers do not have that.
The question then becomes, where does Los Angeles go from there? Could an under the radar name like Ochai Agbaji make more sense for Pelinka and company?
The Toronto Raptors forward is coming off a career year offensively, averaging 10.4 points and shooting 39.9 percent from distance. Agbaji certainly has the physical tools to be an imposing defender and the Raptors are more than stocked full of quality options on the wings.
This will not be an easy question for Pelinka to answer. However, the pressing need to provide a solution will remain regardless.