The Los Angeles Lakers are oh so close to having a roster they can truly talk themselves into as being a contender. There are just two more missing components that would make it all the more easy to believe in. That would be a starting forward and an extra body in the frontcourt.
Neither of those two things should come as a surprise to most. The Lakers continue to be in rumors involving guys like Jonathan Kuminga. They have also recently been connected to the center market, despite the addition of Kevon Looney in free agency.
Dan Woike of The Athletic reported: "Between Looney’s 21 games and the five Kessler played last season, the Lakers are, according to team and league sources, hunting for reinforcement at the center position. But that search won’t be easy. The center market is largely a mess."
If the Lakers can pin down both of these elements, they will give themselves a strong fighting chance in the Western Conference next year. That is more than they could ask for after an offseason that started with departure after departure.
Identifying the solution at starting forward is the most important task in Los Angeles
The Lakers' starting lineup just looks incomplete at the moment without having a firm answer in relation to who slots in at forward. Kuminga appears to be the preference, but stalling negotiations indicate problems with that situation.
Alternatively, the Lakers could still gauge the prices of guys like P.J. Washington and Cameron Johnson on the trade market. Perhaps a new development with either one of the two can create opportunity for Los Angeles.
If not one of them, there are more polarizing names to consider like Kyle Kuzma. Otherwise, the Lakers may just have to gamble on one of the players already on the team to fill that role.
Another backup center would help stabilize the Lakers
The Lakers do not need a center as badly as they need a true solution at forward, but it would not be bad for them to have another insurance policy, just in case. That mostly has to do with the current options there.
Walker Kessler only played five games last season. That may have more to do with a cautious injury approach from the Utah Jazz than actual health concerns, but it is worth noting.
As is the fact that Looney also registered just 21 games last year. The wear and tear from years of hard-nosed play could be catching up to the veteran big man.
The Lakers can deploy Sandro Mamukelashvili at the five, if and when necessary. However, that could create defensive problems for them if relying on that strategy for long stretches. Having one more option in the frontcourt would offer a little extra comfort.
Nick Richards, who is sitting in free agency, could be a legitimate lob threat for Luka Doncic. His defensive play does leave something to be desired, though. Otherwise, the Lakers may have to work within their means to find a low-cost trade on the market to finalize the roster ahead of next season.
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