The Los Angeles Lakers remain in the market for a starting forward as they look to put the finishing touches on their revamped roster.
Free agent Jonathan Kuminga has long been linked with Los Angeles, while Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington has emerged as another potential option.
However, the Lakers could look beyond the more established names and target a younger, significantly cheaper alternative who fits the front office’s offseason emphasis on adding youth and athleticism.
Lakers Urged to Consider Low-Cost Alternative at Forward
Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts believes the Lakers should widen their search and explore a potential trade for Memphis Grizzlies forward Taylor Hendricks.
Watts acknowledged that both Kuminga and Washington are more accomplished players, but believes Hendricks could represent an intriguing low-cost, high-upside alternative.
That could prove particularly important given the Lakers’ limited trade assets after sending two first-round picks and two pick swaps to the Utah Jazz in the deal for Walker Kessler.
“Though both players are intriguing, the Lakers would be wise to call the Memphis Grizzlies and at least kick the tires on a potential trade for Taylor Hendricks,” Watts wrote.
“Hendricks is a fascinating defensive prospect and is likely to be a more cost-efficient player to target. Based on the fact that the Lakers have already handed out four-year contracts to four different players this summer, embracing a short-term risk would be a wise endeavor.”
Negotiations surrounding Kuminga appear to have reached a standstill, with the 23-year-old reportedly seeking a sizable contract.
Acquiring Kuminga would also likely require a sign-and-trade, which would bring additional complications. Such an agreement would need to span at least three seasons, although only the first year would need to be guaranteed.
Washington presents a different challenge. The 27-year-old is beginning a four-year, $88.7 million contract that will pay him $19.8 million during the 2026-27 season.
Given the recent blockbuster history between the Lakers and Mavericks involving Luka Doncic, convincing Dallas to part with Washington could also prove costly, assuming the Mavericks are willing to engage at all.
Taylor Hendricks Could Offer LA Low-Risk Opportunity
Hendricks, meanwhile, is entering the final season of his four-year, $25.3 million rookie-scale contract before becoming a restricted free agent in 2027.
That situation would give the Lakers an opportunity to evaluate the 22-year-old’s fit for an entire season before deciding whether to make a longer-term commitment. If Hendricks proves himself in Los Angeles, the Lakers would hold his restricted free agent rights and maintain significant control over his future.
The Utah Jazz originally selected Hendricks with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft before sending him to Memphis as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade in February 2026.
Last season, the 6-foot-9 forward appeared in 59 games between Utah and Memphis, making 17 starts. He averaged 7.4 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 45.9% from the field and 34.2% from three-point range.
Hendricks’ production increased following his move to Memphis, where he averaged 10.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
“If Hendricks can live up to his potential on defense, then the Lakers could realistically throw him at players at multiple positions,” Watts added. “He has the ability to not only go out to the perimeter and take on wings, but match up against stronger players in the post.”
What Memphis would demand in a potential trade remains unclear, but its crowded collection of forwards and big men could potentially make Hendricks expendable.
The Grizzlies drafted Cameron Boozer and Karim Lopez, while also recently adding Jerami Grant, Quinten Post, and Isaiah Stewart.
With Zach Edey, GG Jackson, and Jaylen Wells already providing additional options across the frontcourt and wings, Hendricks could become an intriguing trade candidate as Memphis determines how all of its pieces fit together.
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