Lakers Have One Bigger Need Than Jonathan Kuminga

The Los Angeles Lakers need to sign one player, and it is not Jonathan Kuminga but rather someone relatively under the radar.

The Lakers certainly need forwards, ideally adding two more playoff-rotation-caliber wing players. Right now, the roster is made up of players who are ideally guards — Quentin Grimes, Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, Collin Sexton, Bronny James, and Cameron Carr.

In terms of forwards, there is Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jared Vanderbilt (who is on the trade block), Jake LaRavia, and second-year player Adou Thiero.

At the center spot, the Lakers have made the most strides, adding a starting-caliber center in Walker Kessler, along with a seasoned veteran, Kevon Looney.

For a postseason rotation, Grimes, Reaves, Doncic, Sexon, Mamukelashvili, and Walker Kessler are the only players who will likely be relied upon for meaningful minutes.

Thiero has the chance to possibly break through, while LaRavia could become reliable once again, but the need for someone like Kuminga, who can man any forward spot, is clear.

However, what is even more apparent is that Kessler needs a backup big man who can comfortably defend on the perimeter and play light on their feet, especially in the playoffs when that is more important than ever.

Why the Lakers need Nick Richards

This is where a third center, one who fits a different profile than Looney, enters the picture, and there is one on the free agent market — Nick Richards.

At 28 years of age and measuring at six feet, 11 inches, Richards has an ideal build for a modern big man. He can play either center or power forward.

Richards took a while to get going with the Hornets, but he has maintained a solid role as a rotational big man.

He was traded from the Hornets to the Suns, who then dealt him to the Bulls midseason. With Phoenix, he started to see his role shrink, but a strong stint with the Bulls saw him return to form.

Since 2024, Richards has averaged 21.6 minutes, 8.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks. He manages to be productive in his small bursts and is a backup big man.

Jaxson Hayes had a similar profile when he joined LA and left a solid backup big man. Richards is more developed already and has a clear identity for his role.

With so many creators able to generate offense, Richards will have all the tools to thrive as a true energy big man.

The Lakers, after likely signing Kuminga, will be left with the minimum, which would be a bargain for a player of Richards’ quality, but if general manager Rob Pelinka could pull it off, he would cap off a total overhaul of the roster without many clear holes.

The post Lakers Have One Bigger Need Than Jonathan Kuminga appeared first on LA Sports Report.