The Los Angeles Lakers continue to put off the acquisition of a true wing stopper to play alongside Luka Doncic. Quentin Grimes should help, but the Lakers have long needed an athletic wing with the size and length to defend 3s and 4s, whereas Grimes is 6'4" with a 6'8" wingspan.
Unfortunately, the Lakers' lack of activity has left them in a familiar position, as they'll need to hope a minimum contract can yield the player they need.
According to CapSheets, the Lakers currently only have minimum salaries available to fill their last two roster spots with. Unless another financially-motivated trade is looming, that means Los Angeles will have to turn to the pool of available players who would even consider a minimum contract for one of the most important roles in the NBA.
Sadly, this isn't the first time the Lakers have been forced to navigate this type of unpredictable terrain. In fact, it's become a rather consistent approach under Pelinka.
In 2023, it was Taurean Prince who signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract to operate as the Lakers' wing stopper. In 2024, the Lakers waited until late December to trade for a primary perimeter defender. They gave up three second-round picks for Dorian Finney-Smith and then watched him sign with another team as soon as he could.
In 2025, it was Marcus Smart who signed a two-year, $11 million contract. Smart has since opted out of his second season and signed with the Houston Rockets.
Lakers keep relying on low-cost talent for wing stopper role
Suffice it to say, the Lakers are playing a dangerous game that they haven't exactly been winning. They have at least drafted a player who could help resolve this issue long-term in Cameron Carr, but patience will be essential considering he's a rookie.
Even if Carr, Bronny James, and Adou Thiero all overachieve in 2026-27, there's insufficient film or data to suggest that's a rational offseason gamble for a team that's hoping to contend.
Perhaps the Lakers will strike free agency gold and bring in a player who checks the boxes they need. They're interested in signing Jonathan Kuminga, for instance, who played well during the postseason and has undeniable untapped potential on both ends of the floor.
Risk remains, however, in regard to any one of the signings they could realistically make. Gambling on potential instead of established ability is understandable in a vacuum, but when it's a specific and glaring team need, the front office refusing to invest in proven commodities becomes tough to justify.
For a team that's aiming to help Luka Doncic immediately compete for a championship, the refusal to invest meaningful resources in a true wing stopper continues to be baffling.
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