Lakers predicted to sign $83M veteran lob threat with Finals experience to pair with Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been in dire need of a starting power forward and a reliable center to provide depth. So far, the Lakers have been unsuccessful in addressing either need with free agency starting to come to a close.
LA has made a lot of changes this summer, but even with those moves, it is difficult to tell whether the roster has truly improved from a year ago. The Lakers have missed out on several free-agent targets, with one of the biggest being Jonathan Kuminga.
“Jonathan Kuminga has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, plus a player option, agent Aaron Turner tells ESPN. Kuminga will be a starter alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert on the West contender,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.
Kuminga was a huge loss for LA, but the team can live with it considering how difficult his free-agency situation became. However, losing Nick Richards to the Miami Heat may have been an even bigger blow.
“Free agent center Nick Richards has agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Heat, sources tell ESPN. After signing Klay Thompson, the Heat fill roster slot No. 14 with a reserve big man,” Charania wrote.
With the Lakers still in need of help at either center or power forward, there are a few options remaining. California Post’s Khobi Price believes LA could sign free-agent big man Dwight Powell.
“The most significant option for the Lakers could be Dwight Powell, the 6-10, 35-year-old big man who was teammates with Doncic for 6 ½ seasons in Dallas. Notably, Powell has played the most games as a teammate alongside Doncic (389) among the 98 players Doncic has played alongside in his eight-year NBA career,” Price wrote.
This would be a huge pickup for the Lakers because Powell would provide another big man while also giving Luka Doncic a familiar face he is extremely comfortable playing alongside. The two have a strong track record together, which could allow their chemistry to develop immediately.
Powell has made $83 million throughout his career. He is an athletic big man who can finish around the rim and provide the Lakers with another option in the frontcourt. Reuniting Powell and Doncic could be a great move for LA, as their existing chemistry would give the Lakers an immediate advantage.
More NBA news:
- Lakers still face major dilemma after losing Nick Richards to Heat despite NBA champion signing
- Knicks predicted to sign $121M 13-year veteran with Finals experience to replace Mitchell Robinson
- Warriors officially sign $39M veteran duo with playoff experience to pair with Steph Curry
- Heat reportedly win bidding war over Lakers, Knicks for $19M veteran elite rim protector
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