The Los Angeles Lakers revamped their roster around Luka Doncic this offseason, but they still have a massive hole at the four. They signed Sandro Mamukelashvili, and he’s currently their best option to fill that role. Mamu has never been a starter and has primarily played the five. It would be a difficult transition, which is why the Lakers should still be looking to trade for a starting power forward.
Los Angeles exhausted their cap space by signing Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Mamu. They can only offer minimum contracts in free agency and already have 16 guaranteed deals on their books. The Lakers roster is screaming for a trade. They need to clear a guaranteed contract off their books, get a starting four, and stay under the first apron where they are hard-capped.
There are several options available, but Los Angeles has just three second-round draft picks and one first-round pick swap to offer in a trade. They must buy low on someone. Rob Pelinka should be working the phones to land one of these five names to be their starting four.
5. De’Andre Hunter
The Kings traded for Hunter at the deadline, but he is on a $24.9 million expiring contract. The 6’7 forward is far from the ideal option. He has produced a negative value over replacement player (VORP) in five of his seven NBA seasons. Hunter is not known for his defense, but he is a plus shooter that Luka Doncic could maximize.
Sacramento figures to be one of the worst teams in the West this season, and they should be looking to maximize their young talent. If the Lakers can’t find anyone else, they should be calling the Kings to see if Hunter is available.
4. Cameron Johnson
The Nuggets are projected to be well over the second apron after matching Spencer Jones’ offer sheet, and they still have to figure out what to do with Peyton Watson. It feels like a cost-cutting move is coming, and Johnson or Christian Braun are the two most likely names to be moved.
Johnson shot 43.0 percent from 3-point range last season and has a career mark of 39.6 percent from long range. The Lakers want shooting around number 77. Johnson’s defense is far from ideal, but getting a 6’8 forward on an expiring contract should have Pelinka picking up the phone.
3. PJ Washington
Washington was a starter next to Luka Doncic on the 2024 Mavericks, who reached the NBA Finals. Dallas doesn’t win their second-round playoff series against the top-seeded Thunder without PJ. The 6’7 forward made crucial shots and played stout defense.
Luka maximized Washington. The 27-year-old became a plus shooter and stout defender playing off the superstar. His contract is far from ideal, but the fit next to Doncic is proven. The Lakers could do a lot worse. Washington is available as Dallas tries to build around Cooper Flagg, and Pelinka should be making a call.
2. Jonathan Kuminga
This feels like the most likely answer. Kuminga isn’t the perfect fit, and fans should be worried as things drag out. The 23-year-old wants more money and hasn’t learned from the issues he faced in Golden State. Still, Kuminga is young with room to grow.
He could become a plus shooter and defender playing off Luka Doncic. Just like number 77 did for Washington, Doncic would get him open looks, create opportunities to attack closeouts, and free Kuminga’s energy up to defend. It could be perfect if JK is willing to buy into his role. Fans know that has been a problem throughout his NBA career thus far.
1. Peyton Watson
Watson is the ideal answer. He is more of a wing than a traditional forward, but he’s 6’8 with a 7’1 wingspan. Watson could defend multiple positions, shoot over 40 percent from 3-point range, and grow into a long-term starter next to Luka.
The 23-year-old is a restricted free agent. He wants a massive payday, but the Nuggets would be way over the second apron if they give it to him. There have been sign-and-trade talks. The Lakers don’t have a ton to offer Denver, but crazier things have happened.
The Los Angeles Lakers should be working the phones and exploring all their options. These five players are likely available, but you never know unless you ask. Nobody thought Luka Doncic would be traded just months after leading the Mavs to the NBA Finals. Rob Pelinka should be making calls. Hopefully, he can pull off another surprise.
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