Los Angeles Lakers Face Defensive Dilemma

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason with two major holes to fill: a long-term center and a long-term wing. With $50 million in cap space, two tradable first-round picks, and three tradable first-round swaps, they had the means to address both issues. However, the ideal scenario would have been to spend the cap space on one problem and trade the picks to solve the other.

The team’s decision to go all-in on a center, trading both of their available picks and two of their available swaps for Walker Kessler, left them with more cap space to spend on other free agents. However, this move also left them with no picks left to trade, severely limiting their ability to acquire a defensive wing.

Two-Way Wings: A Necessity for Championship Pursuits

Two-way wings are no longer optional for championship pursuits. The New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Boston Celtics have all acquired multiple talented wings, making it increasingly difficult for the Lakers to find a suitable replacement. Quentin Grimes, the closest thing the Lakers got to a defensive wing in their free agent splurge, has regressed significantly since his strong defensive start in New York.

The Lakers’ decision to go all-in on a center has left them with no clear path to acquiring the sort of wings they will need to seriously compete for a championship. They therefore have to tread less obvious ground, exploring unconventional options like Jonathan Kuminga.

Jonathan Kuminga: A Risky Bet for the Lakers

Kuminga has the physical tools of an elite two-way wing, but his past performance with the Golden State Warriors suggests that he may not be willing to adapt to the Lakers’ style of play. The Lakers’ history of acquiring former lottery picks that flamed out with their first or second team also raises concerns about Kuminga’s potential fit with the team.

The Lakers are reportedly willing to offer Kuminga a two-year, $20 million deal, but it’s unclear whether this is enough to entice him to join the team. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks are also reportedly interested in Kuminga, making it a competitive market for the Lakers.

Can the Lakers Scrounge Together Enough Money to Land Kuminga?

The Lakers’ cap situation is precarious, and they may not have enough money to offer Kuminga a significant contract. They could shed another $7 million in salary by waiving-and-stretching Jarred Vanderbilt, but this would leave $5 million in dead money on their books for five more years.

A sign-and-trade could be an alternative, but it’s unclear whether the Lakers have the necessary assets to make it work. The Lakers are caught between a rock and a hard place, with limited options to address their defensive wing needs.

Ultimately, the Lakers’ decision to go all-in on a center has created a dilemma that they’re trying to solve with Jonathan Kuminga. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen.