The Los Angeles Lakers should have their eyes set squarely on OG Anunoby during the 2026 NBA Finals. Anunoby has been the ultimate X-Factor for the New York Knicks this postseason, providing two-way contributions that the Lakers can only dream of receiving from their current wings.
With an invaluable combination of strength, length, skill, and athleticism, Anunoby is the exact type of player Los Angeles should be looking to acquire or develop.
It's far easier said than done to find a player who even comes close to Anunoby given how unique he is. He stands at 6'7" and 240 pounds with a massive 7'2.25" wingspan and the type of effortless athleticism that simply can't be taught.
Though the Lakers may struggle to find a carbon copy of Anunoby, that doesn't mean they can't find a player who's similar to the Knicks star.
In a rotation that has no fewer than three high-level or even elite wing defenders, Anunoby's greatest value to the Knicks is his strength and slashing. There are plenty of finesse scorers on New York's roster, but Anunoby has the strength to bully his way inside for pivotal buckets—and defend multiple positions while he's at it.
As the Lakers look for ways to round the Luka Doncic era into form, they must find at least one starting-caliber wing who has the strength and dribble-penetration ability to occupy a similar role.
Lakers need a wing like OG Anunoby who can use power alongside skill
Los Angeles has an intriguing young wing with physical similarities to Anunoby in Adou Thiero. Thiero stands at 6'8" and 220 pounds with a 7'0" wingspan and explosive athleticism, and proved in college to be a capable slasher and defender.
Developing Thiero into an Anunoby-style contributor should thus be a top priority, even if he doesn't necessarily reach the same heights as the Knicks star on either end of the floor.
Alongside developing Thiero, however, there must be a priority placed on becoming more physical along the wings. Doncic and Austin Reaves are finesse scorers who are certainly capable of playing through contact, but neither is necessarily known for their defense.
Finding finesse wing defenders would by no means be a mistake, but the Lakers also need a player who can match up against scorers at multiple positions by virtue of their strength and athleticism.
Potential free agents such as Luguentz Dort, Tari Eason, and Spencer Jones could all get the ball rolling in that direction. All three are renowned for their defense, as well as their versatility, albeit while not necessarily checking the same offensive boxes as Anunoby. Re-signing Rui Hachimura could help, as well.
If the Lakers want to maximize the Doncic era, however, then they should do what they can to build out their wing depth and ensure that an Anunoby-type forward is in the mix.
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