Andre Drummond has joined LeBron James (when healthy) and Anthony Davis (ditto), but that doesn’t mean the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers are done building their roster.
According to The Athletic, the Lakers still intend to pursue a “3-and-D” wing to fill their final roster spot.
Granted, the trade deadline has passed, but forget all that noise. After all, Drummond came via the buyout market. So the Lakers’ biggest move consisted of merely sitting and waiting for someone to show up. They may have all the additional help they need.
Still, you can never have enough depth, and general manager Rob Pelinka knows it. With that in mind, the Lakers are more likely to pursue a veteran guard/forward, as opposed to a G League still looking to make a name for himself in the NBA. Ideally, a new wing would have some playoff experience.
The Lakers already do have one such player in Alfonzo McKinnie, who received meaningful minutes with the Golden State Warriors during the 2019 Finals. But his playing time has been fairly scarce in LA.
So there are undoubtedly others on the radar. And there certainly some bigger names available, waiting for their next opportunity.
Shooting guard Iman Shumpert is a fine defender and won a title with James in Cleveland in 2016. Small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist can’t shoot, but is a former No. 2 overall pick known for scrappiness and perimeter defense in reserve. Andre Roberson, formerly of Oklahoma City, is another player who fits what the Lakers are said to be seeking.
Again, each of those three is available. Others who fit that description: Gerald Green, Allen Crabbe, Terrance Ferguson and Treveon Graham.
Right now, the Lakers don’t need to panic. Far from it. They just need to hold on until Drummond gets acclimated, and James and Davis return. In the meantime, they will keep an eye out for someone else to come in and contribute as they make a run at a repeat.
