Lakers looking at Jalen Smith as answer to possible roster problem?

The Lakers have one guaranteed player too many. Perhaps Jalen Smith can help them solve two problems at once.

Los Angeles has 16 players on guaranteed standard contracts and must get down to 15 before opening night. Bulls big man Smith has been mentioned as the type of player who could make sense in a consolidation trade involving Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, as relayed by Hoops Rumors.

Important disclaimer: There’s no indication the Lakers and Bulls are actively discussing that exact deal. But you can understand the appeal.

Smith would give the Lakers another legitimate frontcourt option while allowing them to turn two roster spots into one. The 6-foot-10 big man can rebound and stretch the floor, making him an intriguing potential fit alongside a roster built around Luka Doncic.

Knecht and Hardy are already considered the two Lakers most likely to be moved if Los Angeles finds a consolidation deal it likes. If it doesn’t, one could simply be waived.

That’s hardly ideal asset management. Smith isn’t some franchise-changing addition, nor does L.A. need him to be.

The Lakers have a math problem. If they can turn two players who may be squeezed off the roster into one useful big man, that’s at least worth investigating.