What Is the Biggest Need for the Lakers? Starting Forward? Backup Center? Another Guard?

The Lakers look like a team that should be pretty good, and have some balance and coherence to the roster construction. But everyone also knows the Lakers are, as currently constructed, a tick or two below the elite squads in the West. So what is their biggest need? ESPN says "starting caliber forwards," and explained thusly: "Look, there's going to be a little less positional certainty whenever LeBron departs. Rather than target a single replacement for the four-time MVP, the Lakers invested their resources into re-signing guard Austin Reaves, acquiring starting center Walker Kessler and compiling a grab-bag collection of unproven forwards with varying skill sets. In his season tipoff news conference, Lakers coach JJ Redick said that both starting forward spots would be up for grabs. Redick's long list of options includes Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt and Adou Thiero. Regardless of who wins the job, the Lakers will ask both forwards to function as high-activity defenders and auxiliary options in an offense led by Luka Doncic and Reaves. As the season unfolds, Redick will be in position to compensate for his lack of standout forwards by extending his rotation with a "quantity over quality" approach." Big picture, it's a reasonable take. Most of the criticism around the roster construction, other than perhaps the price the Lakers paid for Kessler, was about the hole that was left on the wing. The whole Jonathan Kuminga storyline was founded in that understanding. But ultimately, the Lakers have chosen to take their time and try to fill it later in the season, or more likely in the summer with their exception. In the here and now, the preseason has shown how big a hold the Lakers have at backup center. And in terms of things they can more likely solve sooner rather than later, this one sticks out. So how you answer the question depends a little on the context and the timeline. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky PHOTO CREDIT: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)