Lakerstop options after LAs failed pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga

The Lakers’ failed pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga, who is signing a two-year deal with the Timberwolves, has left them with a hole in the frontcourt. And with their payroll $8.1 million from the NBA’s $209 million first-apron threshold, they’re hard-capped for the 2026-27 season.With their roster already having 16 players signed to guaranteed contracts, the Lakers’ options for other roster additions are limited. But they still have clear needs with a month before training camp kicks off. The most glaring hole in their roster is a starting-caliber, athletic two-way wing/forward — an archetype Kuminga would’ve filled.But another area of need is big man depth behind marquee free-agent acquisition Walker Kessler and three-time NBA champion Kevon Looney, who signed a veteran’s minimum contract.How could the Lakers address those needs?The Lakers’ tradable draft picks are limited: They own their own 2033 second-round draft pick; they possess a pair of second-round picks from the Wizards in 2031 and 2032 after swapping Deandre Ayton for Jaden Hardy; and the lone first-round pick they’re able to outright swap in a trade is in 2032. Outside of that, their other trade assets are mostly players who could be on expiring contracts if their team options for 2027-28 are declined (such as Hardy and Dalton Knecht). These limitations, in addition to a big man market that has a high demand but low supply of quality options, are why the Lakers don’t have many trade options for big man depth. But if they decided to go that route, two potential targets would be Bucks center Jericho Sims and Bulls big man Jalen Smith.The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Sims fits the athletic, rim-running big man that’s an ideal fit next to superstar guard Luka Doncic.

He’s a strong finisher and rebounder, especially on the offensive glass.And with Sims, 27, slated to be the third big man behind Myles Turner and Kel’el Ware in Milwaukee, the Bucks may be willing to trade Sims and his expi...