The Los Angeles Lakers are re-evaluating their frontcourt strategy following the news that Jonathan Kuminga has agreed to a two-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The failed pursuit of Kuminga, who would have addressed a need for a starting-caliber, athletic two-way wing/forward, leaves the Lakers with a gap on their roster.
Adding to the challenge, the Lakers are hard-capped for the 2026-27 season, with their payroll currently $8.1 million over the NBA's $209 million first-apron threshold. With 16 players already signed to guaranteed contracts, their options for new roster additions are limited, even with training camp about a month away.
Big Man Targets
Beyond the need for a wing, the Lakers also have a requirement for depth at the center position behind Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney. The team's tradable assets are restricted, including their own 2033 second-round pick and two second-round picks from the Wizards in 2031 and 2032. Their only outright first-round pick swap is in 2032. Other trade assets primarily consist of players with expiring contracts after the 2027-28 season, such as Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht.
Two potential trade targets for big man depth are Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims and Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith.
Sims, a 6-foot-10, 250-pound center, is described as an athletic, rim-running big man who excels as a finisher and offensive rebounder. With Sims, 27, currently positioned as the third big man in Milwaukee, the Bucks might be amenable to trading him and his $2.8 million expiring contract.
Smith, 6-foot-8, is coming off a career year with the Bulls, averaging 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds. He offers outside shooting capabilities, which Sims lacks, and his versatility to play both the power forward and center positions could provide the Lakers with flexible offensive lineup options.
Free Agent Big Man Options
The free-agent market for big men has become increasingly sparse, particularly after the Heat signed Nick Richards. Dwight Powell, a 6-foot-10, 35-year-old center who previously played with Luka Doncic in Dallas for six and a half seasons, is noted as a significant remaining option. Powell has played more games alongside Doncic (389) than any other teammate in Doncic's NBA career.
Other veteran free agents available include Drew Eubanks, Bismack Biyombo, and Mason Plumlee, highlighting the limited pool of quality big man options.
Wing Targets
Acquiring a wing or forward capable of stepping in as a reliable rotation player, or even a starter, without compromising potential access to the mid-level exception next summer presents its own set of challenges. Key trade targets identified are Sacramento Kings forward De’Arron Fox and Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma.
Fox is under contract at $24.9 million for the upcoming season, while Kuzma is at $20.5 million, both entering the final year of their respective four-year deals. Acquiring either player would likely necessitate trading players like Hardy or Knecht, along with draft picks. The Lakers had previously shown interest in acquiring Fox before he was traded to the Kings.
While there is no current known interest from the Lakers in Fox or Kuzma, they represent potential external options if Kuminga were not available.
