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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 the face that runs the place, LeBron James.
Still, despite the confidence that Redick has shown in his roster, one would be hard-pressed to look at it and not have concerns about its lack of depth and history of injuries, begging the question: does the team need more talent to go on a legitimate run at an NBA title.
The answer is a resounding “yes.”
The organization is reportedly looking, too, especially at the guard position.
Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points reported, “league sources continue to point to Kyle Kuzma of Washington, Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith of Brooklyn, Walker Kessler of Utah, Bruce Brown of Toronto, and others. One name league sources say to keep an eye on is Zach LaVine, who has played well in preseason in his return from foot surgery.”
Kessler is an intriguing option in that he has plenty of untapped potential that he has yet to fully showcase in Utah. The 23-year-old center has averaged 23 minutes, 8.7 points, 0.9 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 0.4 steals through his first two seasons in the league but has not been able to crack the starting lineup.
The Lakers could use center help behind Davis, with only the injured Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood, and Jaxson Hayes backing him up. Given Jazz general manager Danny Ainge’s traditional demands in any sort of trade, it is unlikely the Lakers would want to give up the haul he would demand for Kessler.
So, despite the clear need, the best option for the Lakers of the players mentioned in Irwin’s report is Washington Wizards forward Kuzma.
Acquiring Kuzma would allow the team to bring Hachimura off the bench, a role he has thrived in before, including the 2023 Playoffs. It is a spot the organization previously wanted him to fill.
Kuzma gives the team an upgrade at the position and introduces a potential 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 0.5 steals to the lineup.
How he fits what Redick and Co. would like to do moving forward is the question.
On paper, though, he fits, would make the team better, and give the Lakers that third star who can take the pressure and weight off James and Davis’ shoulders as the team chases another NBA title.
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