The Los Angeles Lakers need to make some serious roster changes this summer if they want to compete for a championship in 2025-26. The franchise's brief playoff run revealed a series of glaring issues that can't be ignored this offseason, including the Lakers' evident lack of reliable wing depth.
Even though money isn't exactly their friend this summer, the Lakers still have paths to take to help bolster their wing situation, including the 2025 NBA draft and offseason trade market. Los Angeles might even have a new name to target in the coming months judging by a former rival first-round pick's latest comments.
Lakers Should Target Warriors SG/SF Brandin Podziemski After Tuesday's Comments
Golden State Warriors wing Brandin Podziemski generated some buzz during Tuesday's appearance on FanDuel TV's "Up & Adams." The former Santa Clara product sounded like he's open to a fresh start despite only being drafted by the Lakers' rival less than two years ago.
"Obviously, I want to be an All-Star, as soon as I can be, whether that’s with Steph and them here, or it’s when they’re done," Podziemski told host Kay Adams, adding that he'd love to play in the 2028 Summer Olympics. "And I just want to be a household name, somewhere where it can be me and a bunch of other guys winning a championship. That’d be kind of ideal for me."
The fact that Podziemski wants to be a household name and didn't specifically mention that happening in the Bay is fairly telling. With the likes of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler nearing the end of their respective careers, the recent first-round pick sounds like he's ready to play elsewhere as soon as possible.
Podziemski, 22, was drafted 19th overall by the Warriors in 2019. The Greenfield, WI native has shown flashes of potential at times; however, his inconsistent play has frustrated Golden State fans. Perhaps a fresh start is what he needs, and the Lakers should be willing to give him that opportunity.
After all, Podziemski wasn't exactly horrible last season. He averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 44.5% from the floor and 37.2% from deep in 64 games (33 starts). Even though he more or less disappeared in the postseason, he still tallied 28 points with a 57.9 FG% and 66.7 3P% in the Game 5 elimination loss to the Timberwolves, proving he might have another gear to reach.
Podziemski is the type of wing player who can thrive alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The superstar duo is better than any of the facilitators that the Warriors are rostering, and their playmaking skills could help take the 6-foot-5 shooter's game to the next level.
Podziemski's $3.6 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season is another reason why the cash-strapped Lakers could be interested in his services. A one-for-one swap with Dalton Knecht ($4 million), whose future in L.A. is uncertain, could be on the table, and Los Angeles could even throw in someone like Shake Milton ($3 million) or a future draft pick in as a sweetener.
Although trades between division rivals aren't the norm, the Lakers and Warriors have made three previous deals, according to Basketball Reference. The most recent of the trio of trades came before the 2013-14 trade deadline when L.A. acquired Kent Bazemore and MarShon Brooks from Golden State in exchange for Steve Blake.
Trade rumors and discussions around the NBA are bound to pick up once the Finals wrap up. If the Lakers know what's best for them on their quest to add wing help, general manager Rob Pelinka must give the Warriors a call about Podziemski before another team beats them to the punch.