The Los Angeles Lakers can be counted among teams with a healthy interest in guard Ryan Rollins, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. It is somewhat surprising that the Lakers are interested when you consider what the team lacks. Adding Deandre Ayton and re-signing Jaxson Hayes offers you some size, but doesn't close the gap on the top contenders in the Western Conference.
Glancing at the Lakers roster, it isn't difficult to figure out what the team needs to take a step forward. If a trio of LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic is going to work, you need size and a myriad of wing defenders around them. Simply look back at what the Dallas Mavericks built around Luka in their run to the NBA Finals a season ago.
Dallas built a team that perfectly covered up Luka's defensive struggles and offered a consistent level of defensive effort. While this isn't meant to be a shot at Rollins, it is a reminder of what the Lakers should be attempting to target. Adding another guard shouldn't be the team's focus unless it is a cheap deal in a reserve role. Rollins took a step forward last season but still hasn't established himself enough to be the team's top target.
Lakers Have Interest in Signing Ryan Rollins
For his size, Rollins is a capable defender and is going to give you all his energy on both ends of the floor. However, the point remains that the young guard isn't the type of piece the Lakers should be focused on adding if the current trio is remaining intact. This in itself is a question mark based on rumors emerging throughout the offseason.
Despite opting in to his player option, there are rumblings that James could be considering a trade out of Los Angeles. The same can be said of Austin Reaves, who turned down the Lakers' attempt to extend the talented guard.
All of this explains why the team should be careful who they spend time chasing when the path to building a contender is clear. Wing defenders and continuing to search for rim protection must be the team's focus if they're serious about contending next season. As exciting as the progress of Rollins was, the guard simply doesn't fit this description and shouldn't be among the team's top priorities.