Something that is suddenly true of the Washington Wizards, but has not been said a ton over the last decade, is that they find themselves overflowing with good talent. That is a tremendous sight for the fanbase over in D.C. It can also serve a team like the Los Angeles Lakers well.
It is pretty much an open secret that Rob Pelinka would like to upgrade the roster. Jovan Buha confirmed that belief on a recent episode of his podcast. That fifth starter position, which has been talked about endlessly in Los Angeles, is what the Lakers general manager would look to strengthen.
Before the coming roster trim, that spot is expected to be up for grabs to someone from the group of Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero, Matisse Thybulle or perhaps even Jarred Vanderbilt. There are understandable concerns that come with any of those guys starting.
If one of the guys from that bunch can emerge as a capable placeholder until February, the Lakers' patience could pay off. Someone is bound to feel the squeeze in Washington by then. The player falling out of favor in the Wizards rotation could help patch things up in Los Angeles.
Wizards' wing rotation could spit someone out for the Lakers to claim via trade
The Wizards have a lot of playable guys on the wings heading into next season. That will leave at least one solid young player without the type of role they would desire. If Anthony Dais is soaking up minutes at the four this season in a two-big starting lineup beside Alexandre Sarr, that should only be more true.
One name stands out as the likeliest to get squeezed in Washington next year. That distinction goes to former lottery pick Bilal Coulibaly.
AJ Dybantsa's arrival only worked to further muddy the waters for Coulibaly in Washington. Bilal is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026-27. The French forward is one of several young players who will be nervously looking ahead to the rookie-scale extension deadline on Oct. 19.
If a new contract is not signed by then, the unattractive destination of restricted free agency would await. Unfortunately for Coulibaly in that scenario, the Wizards would hold significant leverage due to the aforementioned depth they are building on the wings.
A strong payday may be unlikely. The same goes for a dedicated and significant long-term role in the rotation.
A Bilal Coulibaly trade to the Lakers could be on the menu
Would the Wizards be willing to part with Coulibaly without it getting to the point of a restricted free agency standoff in 2027? That is what the Lakers will be asking themselves ahead of February, should the deadline for a rookie-scale extension come and go with no new deal for Bilal.
Pelinka has a history of working together with the Wizards for moves like the Rui Hachimura trade and the Deandre Ayton deal. The Lakers president has a history of returning to partners he has previously done business with. This could be another case.
A big part of this is also asking what the Wizards will be seeking in a return for Coulibaly. The young forward still has room for development on the offensive end, but he is far from a negative asset. Do the Lakers have enough in the tank to make the push?
If the answer is yes, and they feel confident in Coulibaly actualizing his offensive upside next to Luka Doncic, they could find a long-term starter here. Landing on that solution will require patience, opportunism, and a little bit of luck for the Lakers.
Add us as a preferred source on Google