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The Los Angeles Lakers are a talented team and despite a roster that has earned the trust of new head coach JJ Redick, who has already named a starting lineup that includes Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell And face included. He runs the place, LeBron James.
Still, despite the confidence Redick has shown in his roster, it would be hard for anyone to look at it and not have concerns about its lack of depth and history of injuries, raising the question: Is the team capable of moving forward? More talent is needed to make a legitimate run at an NBA title.
The answer is a resounding yes.”
The organization is also reportedly keeping an eye on the guard post in particular.
Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points “League sources have been pointing to Washington’s Kyle Kuzma, Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith, Utah’s Walker Kessler, Toronto’s Bruce Brown and others,” the report said. “One name to keep an eye on is Zach LaVine, who has played well in the preseason in his return from foot surgery.”
Kessler is an interesting option because he has a lot of untapped potential that he hasn’t fully showcased yet at Utah. The 23-year-old center has averaged 23 minutes, 8.7 points, 0.9 assists, 2.4 blocks and 0.4 steals in his first two seasons in the league, but he hasn’t been able to break into the starting lineup.
The Lakers could use center help behind Davis, with only the injured Jared Vanderbilt and Christian Wood and Jackson Hayes supporting him. Given Jazz general manager Danny Ainge’s traditional demands in any type of trade, it is unlikely the Lakers would want to waive their demand for Kessler.
So, despite the obvious need, the best option for the Lakers among the players mentioned in Irvin’s report is Washington Wizards forward Kuzma.
Acquiring Kuzma would allow the team to move Hachimura off the bench, a role he has been successful in before, including in the 2023 playoffs. This is a location organization wanted before To fill it.
Kuzma gives the team an upgrade at the position and brings a potential 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 0.5 steals to the lineup.
The question is how he fits in with what Redick and company want to do moving forward.
On paper, however, he fits in, will make the team better, and give the Lakers that third star who can take pressure and weight off the shoulders of James and Davis as the team chases another NBA title.