Roster Crunch and Frontcourt Needs Dominate Post-Kuminga Planning

The Lakers reportedly have 16 guaranteed contracts for 15 spots after waiving Anton Watson and adding Meechie Johnson and Chase Ross. A 2-for-1 consolidation trade is viewed as a preferred solution, while camp evaluations and the risk of dead money from waiving Jaden Hardy or Dalton Knecht leave the final roster unresolved.