The Los Angeles Lakers are still scrambling for roster moves even after a busy offseason, especially after the Minnesota Timberwolves outbid them for former Golden State champ Jonathan Kuminga in August. Now, Lakers Nation insider Trevor Lane is throwing out a wild idea: could a two-time NBA champion forward from the New York Knicks be their next target? It’s a move that feels almost impossible, but you know the Lakers are desperate for that winning edge.
The Lakers’ Championship Shopping List
Lane’s not messing around when he talks about what the Lakers need. He laid it out plain: “Go add a starting-level wing, a backup-level big, and there you go.” That’s the baseline, the absolute minimum for a team with title aspirations. Sure, names like Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, P.J. Washington, and Derrick Jones Jr. got tossed around as potential options. Even Toumani Camara, though Lane straight-up said Portland ain’t moving him. But then he dropped the real bombshells, the “great options”: OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. What they’re really hunting for is “basically, anybody who can convincingly be a three/four in the NBA.” They need that versatile forward who can lock down on defense and hit shots.
Anunoby: The Two-Time Champ They Covet
We’re talking about OG Anunoby, who’s not just some random dude. He’s on the fourth year of a ridiculous five-year, $212 million deal with the Knicks. The Lakers know he would be a “game-changing acquisition” for their “title-craving” squad. Anunoby has cemented himself as one of the premier “three-and-D” wings in the big leagues, thanks to his smooth shot mechanics, killer footwork, and insane defensive versatility. Dude’s a beast.
He played an integral role in the Knicks’ successful 2026 playoff run, averaging 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 48.4% from the field and 38.6% from beyond the arc. And don’t even get me started on his Game 4 masterclass in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. We’re talking nets on fire, an all-time block with less than 15 seconds left, and then the game-winning putback! That play alone helped New York claw back from a 29-point hole to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Knicks then finished off San Antonio in Game 5, letting Anunoby capture his second ring before he even hit 30. He totally fits the Lakers’ mold: a multi-dimensional forward with valuable playoff experience.
What’s Next for LA’s Pursuit?
Poaching Anunoby from New York? Yeah, that’s gonna be tough, probably “highly unlikely” even. But you can’t blame LA for dreaming big. After missing out on Kuminga, they’re gonna be looking under every rock to “survey all their options.” They want a multi-dimensional forward with that championship grit, and Anunoby’s got it twice over. Keep an eye on this space, because if the Lakers even sniff a chance at a player like Anunoby, you know they’ll go for it. That second ring is barely off his finger, and they’re already plotting to steal his third.
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.
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