The Lakers have spent the offseason moving with purpose, and the plan has been pretty easy to read: build around Luka Doncic, keep stacking useful pieces, and keep the roster moving in that direction. They’ve already checked off nearly every target they’ve chased, but the front office still has one more wing in its sights.
Jonathan Kuminga remains on the radar. According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, “There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,”
But there’s a real possibility Los Angeles doesn’t land him.
Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton suggested the Lakers could pivot if Kuminga goes elsewhere, and that fallback option would be DeMar DeRozan. Hutton wrote, “The Los Angeles Lakers have had one of the busiest offseasons of any team in the NBA to this point, and are looking to continue their aggressive pursuit coming into the season.
Los Angeles’ front office is looking to add another quality wing, targeting the likes of Jonathan Kuminga following the departure of LeBron James. Should the team miss out on Kuminga, who has a competitive trade market, DeRozan could serve as a quality backup option, providing consistent scoring and reliable defensive effort,”
That kind of move would look different from a Kuminga swing, but it would still give the Lakers something they can use. DeRozan doesn’t bring the same age or athletic upside, yet his scoring, experience and veteran presence would fit neatly next to Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic as the Lakers keep shaping the roster around that core.
DeRozan was on a $73 million contract with the Sacramento Kings before being waived, and adding him would give Los Angeles another established offensive option and more wing depth. It wouldn’t have the same headline-grabbing feel as Kuminga, but it would still be the kind of addition that helps the Lakers stay in the mix in the Western Conference.
The broader offseason picture has already changed once for Los Angeles. The Lakers’ plan could not fully get rolling until LeBron James chose to continue his career elsewhere.
“LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA -- but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers. James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday,” ESPN wrote.
After that, the Lakers moved quickly, trading for Walker Kessler and signing several key free agents. Even with those additions, the work is not done. The Lakers are still hunting for another wing, and if Kuminga slips away, DeRozan is the name to watch.
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Murphys appeal goes beyond the usual trade chatter because he fits the exact sort of roster need the Lakers keep circling back to. He also comes with a sizable commitment still left on his deal over the next three seasons, which helps explain why any serious pursuit would be complicated, and why this could become more than just another name floating through the rumor mill. [Read more 🡒]