Apr 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka walks on the couet prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The 2026 offseason has been a busy one for the Los Angeles Lakers. From the departure of several familiar faces to the arrival of many new ones, the Purple and Gold have undergone significant changes. Still, it appears that a few more may be on the horizon.
Despite an active summer marked by several key signings, many argue that the Lakers are still not done with making additions. While the team has certainly met the brief by building a title-contending roster in alignment with Luka Doncic‘s wishes, some shortcomings persist.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha touched on this during a recent appearance on the “Lakers Collective” with Trevor Lane and Pete Zayas. While discussing the Lakers’ current roster issues, Buha identified the need for a starting-caliber wing over any other player profile.
“Definitely the wing,” Buha shared. “I don’t even think it’s close, to be honest. At best, this group has four starting-level players right now. I think they’re missing a fifth starting-level player, and some of the guys that we’re talking about in the form of Ziaire Williams or Matisse Thybulle are minimum guys. They’re minimum guys for a reason.”
Buha emphasized the importance of a starting-level wing, primarily to strengthen the team’s starting lineup. Although the current roster features a solid backcourt and a reliable frontcourt with Walker Kessler anchoring the defense, the lack of a “formidable” wing may be a concern.
In all fairness, both Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle have played as starters at different points in their careers. But as Buha mentioned, given their current status, neither fits the mold as a starting-caliber wing, though he added, optimistically, that both could outperform their contracts.
“I keep pushing back on this, but it doesn’t have to be a power forward,” Buha continued. “If anything, I think it’s more of a wing, more of a three, because of Luka. If you tell me I can only play Luka at one defensive position, I’m playing Luka at the four. So, if anything, it’s actually more of a three than a four.”
“Technically, I would like someone who could do both… You need that type of defensive versatility from this spot. Some of the guys are just too small, and people will throw [them] out, or some of the guys don’t have the versatility to guard both spots.”
“That player ideally needs to be able to defend 3s and 4s, if not like 2-4 or 1-4,” he added. “That’s where most of the names people throw out, I don’t think, check those boxes. Kuminga and Washington do – Washington proven, Kuminga, I think, more in theory. It’s more of a wing than a power forward. They just need more talent right now for the top end.”
Although the Lakers’ big man rotation looks slim, even with Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili stepping in as backup centers, it is difficult to argue with Buha’s train of thought.
Given the kind of wing depth on title-contending squads like the Knicks, Spurs, and Thunder, not having a starting-caliber wing could be largely detrimental to the Lakers’ chances at competing for a title.
On that note, Buha mentioned two players who have been repeatedly linked to the Lakers in trade rumors this summer: Jonathan Kuminga and P.J. Washington. Given the quality of talent both players possess, there is every reason to believe the Purple and Gold could benefit from acquiring them.
In many ways, P.J. Washington would be the ideal fit for the Lakers. Given his familiarity with playing alongside Luka Doncic and his veteran experience, the Mavericks forward brings a lot more to the table. Unfortunately, rumors involving Washington appear largely misleading, with reports indicating that there haven’t been many conversations about a trade.
On that note, L.A.’s chances of landing Kuminga still seem genuine at this stage.
Currently, trade chatter involving Jonathan Kuminga seems to have come to a grinding halt over contract demands. But given his potential and the interest from other suitors, the Lakers would be advised to move quickly if they truly wish to make an upgrade.