The Los Angeles Lakers are in the market for a forward who can step into the starting lineup and offer value on both ends of the floor. It's a search that's taken them down several intriguing paths, with Jonathan Kuminga being their rumored top target and P.J. Washington gaining steam on the speculative front.
Though both players are intriguing, the Lakers would be wise to call the Memphis Grizzlies and at least kick the tires on a potential trade for Taylor Hendricks.
There are clear arguments in favor of Kuminga and Washington being better players and perhaps even better fits than Hendricks. Kuminga is a far more productive scorer at 20.2 points per 36 minutes compared to Hendricks' 13.1.
Washington, meanwhile, has started on a team that went to the NBA Finals, whereas Hendricks has yet to make his postseason debut.
For as compelling as those facts may be, Hendricks is still worth looking into. While Kuminga and Washington are perhaps more talented, Hendricks is a fascinating defensive prospect and is likely to be a more cost-efficient player to target.
Based on the fact that the Lakers have already handed out four-year contracts to four different players this summer, embracing a short-term risk would be a wise endeavor.
Taylor Hendricks is a lower-risk alternative to existing options
If the Lakers manage to acquire Kuminga, then they'll likely do so via sign-and-trade. According to the NBA's CBA, sign-and-trades must carry a minimum of a three-year deal. Only one season needs to be guaranteed, but the crucial context is that Kuminga is a free agent—and must therefore be convinced that signing with Los Angeles is mutually beneficial.
If Kuminga is unwilling to take non-guaranteed money on his contract, then the Lakers would need to shell out multiple guaranteed seasons to simply take a chance on him fitting despite his lackluster shooting.
Washington, meanwhile, is entering the first season of a four-year, near $89 million contract extension. He has history with Lakers franchise player Luka Doncic, but bringing him on would give Los Angeles five players on four-year deals—four of whom have yet to play a single game in the purple and gold.
Compounded by the inevitability of Doncic signing a max-level extension, the risk is simple: Los Angeles would be committing to an expensive six-man rotation before seeing them play together.
Taylor Hendricks has showcased significant defensive potential
Hendricks, meanwhile, is in the final season of his rookie-scale contract. He has rather extensive injury concerns after missing all but three games in 2024-25, but the short-term nature of his contract is the great equalizer.
Hendricks is owed $7,805,900 for the 2026-27 season and will become a restricted free agent next summer. That creates an intriguing degree of flexibility.
If Hendricks can live up to his potential on defense, then the Lakers could realistically throw him at players at multiple positions. He has the ability to not only go out to the perimeter and take on wings, but match up against stronger players in the post.
That versatility is at least worth exploring, particularly when one factors in that he's a career 35.4 percent three-point shooter—the same career mark as Washington has accumulated.
Memphis has a logjam at forward and Lakers could make a solid offer
The reason the Grizzlies might be willing to move Hendricks is the simple fact that they've loaded up on players at his position. They drafted Cameron Boozer and Karim Lopez, acquired Quinten Post and Isaiah Stewart to play behind and possibly alongside center Zach Edey, and even traded for Jerami Grant.
Compounded by the fact that the wings are loaded with talented players such as Cedric Coward, Ty Jerome, GG Jackson, and Jaylen Wells, minutes could be tough to come by.
Considering Hendricks has only played 26 games for the Grizzlies, it's even more likely that they'd be open to negotiations. That thus makes it worthwhile for Los Angeles to place a call and offer either Dalton Knecht or Jake LaRavia, as well as a future second-round pick if it proves necessary, for Hendricks.
If Memphis says no, then the Lakers can move forward knowing they at least tried to acquire him for a reasonable cost. If they say yes, however, then Los Angeles can embrace short-term risk over potential long-term damage.
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