The Lakers were blessed with another appealing asset entering the summer of Anthony Davis. L.A. still figures to lead the pack on the trade front and could include the fourth pick in an offer to New Orleans. If not, it gives L.A. another talented young player to grow alongside LeBron James.
Jarrett Culver should be among those considered. There’s a slight drop-off in quality after Barrett, but Culver checks several boxes on the wing. He’s a long, multi-position defender with the skills to develop into an excellent complementary piece on offense.
While his release isn’t perfect, Culver has sped up his shot considerably, becoming more dynamic off the dribble and rounding out his profile as a reliable spot-up shooter. The Lakers could use another wing who spaces the floor, attacks closeouts and moves the ball at a high level. He makes the most sense next to LeBron, Lonzo Ball and the L.A. core.