The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the offseason with over $50 million in cap space, and Ayo Dosunmu just proved he’s exactly what they are looking for. The 6’4 wing had a 43-point night, including making five 3-pointers, to help the Timberwolves defeat the Nuggets after Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo were injured. It was an incredible performance that should have left Lakers fans thinking how great he would be playing off Luka.
The Wolves acquired Dosunmu in a midseason trade with the Bulls. Before Lakers fans get mad about Rob Pelinka not making the move, Minnesota gave up four second-round draft picks to land him. LA didn’t have that type of capital and didn’t want to part with their lone tradeable first-round selection. This was a gamble by the T'Wolves as Dosunmu is an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The 26-year-old has made himself millions in the playoffs. He has played well in the entire series, but his 25 points and nine dimes in Game 3 helped the Wolves blow out Denver. Dosunmu had an even bigger night in Game 4 to put Minnesota on the brink of knocking out Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
Ayo Dosunmu should be the Lakers' top offseason target now
The Lakers want to build their roster around Luka Doncic this summer. Number 77 is committed to the plan of adding 3-and-D wings and a big man to improve their title odds. Los Angeles has to figure out what to do with LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer. The playoffs have made the decision easier if King James is willing to play for less.
The Lakers still want to add a key piece. Dosunmu will be one of the top free agents, and he’s a perfect fit. Minnesota was 1.3 points per 100 possessions better defensively with the 6’4 guard on the floor after the trade. He shot 43.9 percent from 3-point range and averaged 14.8 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. Fans saw his toughness and ability to step up in the biggest moments in the last two games.
Saturday night was a different level. Donte DiVincenzo went down with an Achilles injury just over one minute into the contest. That devastating blow could have deflated Minnesota. Things got even worse when Anthony Edwards injured his knee in the second quarter. It would have been easy to fold, but Dosunmu took over and lifted Minnesota to an improbable victory.
The 26-year-old was doing it all. He made jumpers, created plays, hit floaters, and was just unstoppable. Dosunmu put the Wolves on the brink of advancing virtually by himself.
The Lakers would love to add a 40 percent 3-point shooter that is capable of guarding multiple positions. Dosunmu will be an unrestricted free agent, and re-signing him will have the Timberwolves flirting with the second apron. LA has cap space and could swoop in for the steal. It would hurt a rival, along with giving the Lakers a perfect fit next to Luka.
The Los Angeles Lakers should target Ayo Dosunmu in free agency. The 6’4 guard has everything they are looking for next to number 77. Minnesota let Nickeil Alexander-Walker go last summer. Dosunmu could be next, and the Lakers should attempt to reap the benefits. Stay tuned to see how it all plays out.
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