Lakers urged to trade for $88M elite lob threat with Finals experience to pair with Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers recently took a team trip to Slovenia hosted by Luka Doncic, which served its purpose as the team grew closer together. However, they made the trip without a clear starting power forward.

The problem remained after two months of pursuing Jonathan Kuminga. The 23-year-old NBA champion ultimately decided to sign with 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 move, the starting spot is still open for the Lakers, and the team doesn't know how it will be filled. LA's weakest position right now is the power forward spot.

“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.

The organization knows it could be in trouble if it doesn't find the right player or already have the right one in the system. Lakers insider Jovan Buha believes they should trade for P.J. Washington.

“Pursue the upgrade now, and specifically a starting level player. I think PJ Washington is a starter on a good team that wants to compete with San Antonio and OKC. I do think PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. would be great fits,” Buha said.

The Lakers trading for Washington would be huge, as it would give them a reliable starting power forward. Some of the best basketball of Washington's career came alongside Luka Doncic, who just so happens to be LA's point guard.

Washington is currently on an $88 million contract with the Mavericks. On the Lakers, he would be the right player to fill the hole they have in the lineup. He can shoot from beyond the arc and rim-run with ease.

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