Lakers get major trade update on $48M ex-Heat elite 3-and-D wing to pair with Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to figure some things out as the season approaches, even after making so many moves. The team has tried to put together a squad after LeBron James left for the Philadelphia 76ers.

LA has tried to find multiple players to add to its roster, but hasn’t been successful. The most recent example was losing out on Jonathan Kuminga to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has signed. forward Jonathan Kuminga. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released. Kuminga, 23, wrapped up his fifth season in the NBA, splitting time between the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors after being traded to the Hawks on Feb. 5," the organization wrote. "Kuminga will wear #24 for the Timberwolves."

With this, it still leaves a huge hole at the starting power forward position. The Lakers will have to decide if they want to go with an external or internal option.

“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," Lake Show Life's Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.

LA has been heavily linked to Derrick Jones Jr. of the Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers would have to trade for him. ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly made it known that Jones could ask for a trade to a specific team.

“I think sometimes agents see different opportunities around the league to play more, make more money, contend for a championship, potentially, so that could also weigh into it,” said Azarly. “If they see a better opportunity elsewhere, they’ll approach the Clippers, and the Clippers, in good faith, will try to get them where they want to go.”

There is belief that the preferred destination would be in LA, as he does not want to leave the city. If he really does want to stay where he is at, it could be huge for the Lakers, as it would give them major leverage.

Jones has made $48 million in his career thus far. The Lakers seem to be in a good spot to get him. Once the opportunity opens up, they don’t need to think twice about engaging in talks.

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