Jonathan Kuminga spurned the Lakers this month, throwing a wrench into what was already a drama-filled August for the team. This wasn’t some quiet offseason reset; with talk about who is and isn’t selling their stake, Kuminga’s decision just amps up the pressure. Now, everyone’s asking: Is a big trade still in the pipeline, or are we looking at some tough cuts?
Trade or Cut? The Roster Dilemma Is Real
The front office is going to be hunting hard for a trade, that much is clear. But man, finding a deal in this league right now is like trying to find a parking spot at T-Mobile Park on opening day! Seriously, there are barely any teams with open roster spots, and a bunch of squads are in the exact same boat as the Lakers, trying to trim their own rosters. If it comes down to cutting players, I’m hearing Dalton Knecht or Jaden Hardy are at the front of the line. And honestly, Knecht looks more likely given he isn’t under contract for next season. That’s a tough pill to swallow, right?
What Kind of Player Can They Even Get?
So, if they pull off a trade, what are they even looking for? A starting-caliber forward seems like the dream, but with LA’s relatively limited assets, that’s gonna be a huge challenge. Saddiq Bey is a popular name, but is he really a nailed-on starter for this team? I’m not so sure. Honestly, it feels more realistic that we’re gonna see a trade for a backup center. And who’s the package they’re shipping around to make this happen? Knecht and Hardy. That combo could get them into a salary range for a useful player, and hey, some team out there might see Knecht as a lottery ticket for the future.
JJ Redick’s Continuity Play
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Even with Kuminga bailing, there’s been some smart moves. Remember JJ Redick talking last year about how tough it was to get players to buy in when they’re all thinking about their next contract? Well, the signings of Mamu, Grimes, and Walker, plus Austin’s extension, definitely raised eyebrows about contract length. But I think Pelinka made a deliberate move here, aiming for continuity and buy-in that’s been missing. The core of this team is locked up for multiple years now, and that should make it way easier for them to grow together alongside Redick. It doesn’t magically fix all the concerns, but getting guys to actually commit? That’s a solid step forward.
So, the hunt is on. Whether it’s a trade or a cut, the Lakers have got some serious decisions to make as they gear up for the season. Redick is building something with this core, and how they navigate these next few weeks is gonna tell us everything about their direction for the whole year. Get ready, because it’s gonna be a wild ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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