The Lakers’ roster is coming together, but the picture still isn’t fully clear around the frontcourt. Los Angeles has already added Walker Kessler to open free agency, and the team is still shopping for another center while also trying to sort out the bigger issue: who starts at power forward.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, the Lakers remain active on the big-man market. “The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic," Woike reported.
"They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle.
The roster is currently at full capacity.”
But the more pressing hole may be the one next to the center spot. Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk pointed to power forward as the final opening in the starting five.
“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," Rovenchuk wrote.
That’s where a trade idea from NBA writer Jake Weinbach comes in. He floated a three-team deal that would send PJ Washington to Los Angeles, with the Mavericks getting Jaden Hardy, Adou Thiero, a 2032 first-round pick swap via the Lakers, and a 2032 second-round pick via Washington from the Lakers. In Weinbach’s proposal, the Bulls would land Jake LaRavia via the RMLE.
“A trade idea between the Lakers, Mavericks, and Bulls: Lakers-PJ Washington. Mavericks-Jaden Hardy, Adou Thiero, 2032 first-round pick swap (via LAL), 2032 second-round pick (via WAS from LAL). Bulls-Jake LaRavia (via RMLE),” Weinbach wrote.
Hardy has been a name the Lakers have tried to move in packages all summer, but the inclusion of Thiero stands out because the Lakers have reportedly been high on him. Still, the appeal of the deal is obvious from LA’s side: Washington would give the Lakers a stronger answer at power forward and a familiar partner for Luka Doncic.
The two have already had success together, reaching the NBA Finals as teammates. For a Lakers team trying to lock in its starting lineup before the season starts, that kind of fit could matter a lot.
In Other News...
Kyrie Irving Trade Buzz Just Hit A Telling New Wall
The latest Kyrie Irving chatter has run into a familiar obstacle in Miami, where the Heats recent free-agent activity has already changed the shape of the conversation. After adding Klay Thompson on a deal that gives the club financial flexibility and room to maneuver, Miami has addressed part of its offseason agenda while still leaving some uncertainty at point guard, which is why Irving has remained a name worth monitoring from afar.
But even with the Heat still looking as if they could use help at the position, the buzz around an Irving-to-Miami move does not seem to be gaining real traction. The roster picture has improved, the appetite for another major swing is hard to read, and Dallas is still expected to be a difficult team to move off its current position if the trade interest keeps coming. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Lost Out As Cooper Flagg Card Drama Takes Another Turn
The saga around Cooper Flaggs most sought-after rookie card has taken another turn, and it has plenty of implications for collectors and anyone tracking the early market around the Mavericks new centerpiece. Jason Williams, the collector who pulled Flaggs one-of-one Rookie Debut Patch Autograph card, has opted to let the public determine its worth instead of settling for private suitors. The card has also picked up a PSA Gem Mint 10 grade, a seal that only adds to the intrigue around a piece already carrying immense attention.
Fanatics Collect is now set to showcase the card in its September Premier Auction from September 10 to 24, where the final price should help define just how high the ceiling is for Flagg memorabilia. For Dallas, it is another reminder of how quickly Flaggs arrival has become a league-wide storyline, with his cards drawing the kind of buzz that usually comes only after a player has already built a rsum. In this case, the market gets the first real say. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Are Bringing Back A Look Fans Still Argue About
The Mavericks are set to revisit one of their more divisive alternate looks, with the gold-and-white Pegasus City Edition uniforms reportedly coming back into the mix. The design ties directly to Dallas Pegasus City legacy, and it gives the franchise a chance to lean back into a jersey that has always sparked strong opinions from fans who remember it well.
The timing makes the comeback more notable, with the revival lined up for the 2026-27 season as the City Edition concept reaches a 10th anniversary with Nike. The updated version is expected to carry iridescent Nike swooshes and a JPMorgan Chase advertising patch, part of the league-wide rollout that will put Dallas back in the spotlight with a look that still divides the room. [Read more 🡒]