The Los Angeles Lakers have been chasing targets all summer, but getting Jonathan Kuminga was a huge miss, with the 23-year-old forward signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves after spending his fifth NBA season splitting time between the Hawks and Warriors. This Kuminga miss stings, especially since the Lakers had been on his trail for two months, and his signing with the Wolves definitely leaves a massive hole in LA’s starting lineup.
The Power Forward Puzzle for the Lakers
Losing out on Kuminga meant the Lakers’ power forward spot is still looking pretty weak right now. They’re definitely on the hunt for a player who can step right into that starting role and make an impact. Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk hit it right on the head, saying, “Then, there is the power forward position. This is the last domino among the starting lineup that really does not have full clarity just yet. There are certainly players internally, and even externally, who could fill the vacancy.” It feels like the offseason has been a bit of a rollercoaster for LA, missing out on some big free agents they wanted, even if they did manage to land a few others. But this power forward situation? It’s the biggest question mark looming over their roster right now.
Derrick Jones Jr.: The $48 Million Answer?
Lakers insider Jovan Buha might have the answer, though, throwing out some names in a recent mailbag that got fans talking. Buha suggested the Lakers go after a trade for P.J. Washington, but he also highlighted Derrick Jones Jr. as someone the team absolutely needs to consider bringing in. Buha said, “Pursue the upgrade now, and specifically a starting level player. I think PJ Washington is a starter on a good team that wants to compete with San Antonio and OKC. I do think PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. would be great fits.” Jones Jr. seems like a phenomenal fit for what the Lakers need, honestly. He’s made $48 million throughout his career, and he could totally play up at power forward, bringing some serious defensive versatility to the table. He’s lengthy, he’s versatile, and he’s a capable shooter from deep, which would be massive for opening things up for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on offense.
This team needs to get this power forward spot sorted if they want to finalize their roster and head into the season with confidence. Grabbing a player like Jones Jr. could be exactly what they need to shore things up and give those stars another reliable option on the floor.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply