The Lakers are riding a high right now, winners of six in a row and sitting atop the league looking down. But there’s always the question of how it can get even better.
This week’s mailbag saw questions based on potential trades for backup centers as well as prospects to watch with Coachella Valley in the G League.
Let’s dive in!
The backup center position is going to be arguably the top priority for the Lakers between now and the trade deadline. While the Jarred Vanderbilt-Sandro Mamukelashvili pairing
has done a suitable job as a short-term solution, it doesn’t feel like one that will work when the games really matter.
The pairing offers spacing offensively, but can they hold up enough defensively in the playoffs? And if they don’t, then who can you target that will?
I still worry about Brook Lopez defensively in the playoffs because the last time we saw him in the postseason, it was really rough. But depending on the price, there could be value there.
Similarly, Jericho Sims will likely remain a name on the Lakers’ radar until the deadline. He has played in six games this season, but he has played more than eight minutes only twice. Do they try to get really frisky and try to get Kel’el Ware from Milwaukee, another player they were linked to? The asking price will probably be too high, but it’ll be worth a question.
There could be a buyout market to find someone, but it’s hard to determine what that’ll look like in November.
As for Looney, I think he brings value as a leader and on this team. He’s been around the block more than anyone else. And there are a couple other guys I’d have higher on the list to waive before him.
I don’t think this start really changes the team’s approach at the trade deadline. For one, the team is still going to prioritize having the ability to use the mid-level exception next season, so I can’t imagine they’ll take on long-term contract without sending out long-term money.
PJ Washington, for example, would cut into that room next season. Daniel Gafford, who I did not mention in the last section, creates similar issues depending on the outgoing players. It’s why I predict they’ll make a small move, then use their MLE in the summer and look to move an expiring Vando contract for another piece.
Coachella Valley has now played three games this season. Chris Mañon had a career-high 32 points in the second game while Cole Swider had 22 and 21 points in the first two games.
For now, Mañon and Kaluma are the obvious players to watch for obvious reasons. AK Okereke returned to Coachella Valley, so he’s another one to look out for. William Kyle was an interesting prospect in Summer League and could be a sort of Kaluma-esque candidate for a breakout season after a year in the G League.
As for Swider, I get the rationale of wanting to play younger players with more potential, but I also think there’s value in simply having talented players on the court. Swider is your typical AAAA player who won’t stick around in the NBA but will be good in the G League.
Having him around helps space the floor for Kaluma or Mañon to drive or gives Kyle room to operate as an athletic finisher. He gives Mañon a target to find coming off screens. He complements the players on the roster, which is valuable. Having a handful of guys like that on the roster isn’t a bad thing, plus he’s a player the organization is familiar with, too.
This is probably a longer piece that we may dive into at some point, but the teams have changed quite a bit.
One of the biggest differences is that the March 2026 Lakers were buoyed by finishing at a very high level on drives to the rim. They were also a different team defensively as one that didn’t create as much chaos but also had a better defensive rating, partially because they could clean the glass to end defensive possessions.
This team’s defense is built around turning teams over and blocking shots. They’re still working on the ending possessions with a rebound part, though. Offensively, they’re a more prolific and efficient offense from range so far.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
