The Los Angeles Lakers may not be done adding to their brand-new roster. The post-LeBron James era will begin with a completely revamped roster and starting lineup.
One key position of need that remains in Los Angeles is a backup center. They added Kevon Looney in free agency a few weeks ago, but how much can they really rely on him at this point in his career?
New Lakers rumors point towards a former tenth overall draft pick to fill this void. Let’s take a look at how Jalen Smith could help the current Lakers for the 2026-27 NBA season.
Smith was drafted tenth overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns. He has spent time with three teams over his six years in the NBA, including the Suns, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls.
Smith has turned himself into a reliable stretch five who is able to give you 15-20 good minutes off the bench. He averaged 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds last season for the Bulls.
Smith has steadily averaged around ten points a game since his second season in the NBA. He shot 37% from three last season on 4.2 attempts per game. Two years prior, he shot 42% on 2.4 attempts in his final season with the Pacers.
The Lakers have had a great offseason so far, and adding Smith would make it even better. Honestly, this may be an even better move than adding Jonathan Kuminga. It wouldn’t cost nearly as much and would fill a key position of need off the bench.
Kuminga would have higher upside than Smith, likely being inserted into the starting lineup if he’s acquired. With that being said, there’s much more risk that comes with signing Kuminga. He would take up much more cap space and would cost some key depth pieces in a trade.
Smith would give Los Angeles a key depth piece who they can confidently say will produce exactly what they need. He will rebound and shoot the three at a decent clip. That same thing can’t be said about Kuminga.
Smith is the perfect player for the Lakers to trade for at this point in the offseason. Kuminga would be a flashier move, but that doesn’t mean he’s the better option. Smith gives them another reliable big off the bench who can play with or without Walker Kessler. If he performs well, he could even start at PF for some games.
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