Lakers predicted to trade for Clippers' $48M elite 3-and-D wing to pair with Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers have not been the most successful team this summer when it comes to landing the players they have targeted in free agency. LA has missed out on some big-time free agents, but it has also landed several players it wanted, so the offseason has not been all bad.

The Lakers were on the hunt for Jonathan Kuminga for two months. In the end, he decided to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has signed. forward Jonathan Kuminga. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released. Kuminga, 23, wrapped up his fifth season in the NBA, splitting time between the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors after being traded to the Hawks on Feb. 5," the organization wrote. "Kuminga will wear #24 for the Timberwolves."

With Kuminga signing in Minnesota, that left a hole in the Lakers' starting lineup. The power forward position is not a strong spot for Los Angeles right now, leaving the team searching for a player who can step into the starting role.

"Then, there is the power forward position. This is the last domino among the starting lineup that really does not have full clarity just yet. There are certainly players internally, and even externally, who could fill the vacancy," Lake Show Life's Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.

Lakers insider Jovan Buha may be onto something. In a recent mailbag, he suggested that the Lakers pursue a trade for P.J. Washington. However, he also mentioned Derrick Jones Jr. as someone the team should consider acquiring.

"Pursue the upgrade now, and specifically a starting level player. I think PJ Washington is a starter on a good team that wants to compete with San Antonio and OKC. I do think PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. would be great fits," Buha said.

Jones Jr. would be a great fit for what the Lakers need. He could play up at the power forward position while bringing plenty of defensive versatility to the table.

He has made $48 million throughout his career. LA needs a lengthy and versatile player, and Jones Jr. fits that mold. He is also a capable shooter from beyond the arc, which would give Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves another reliable option on the floor.