The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2026 NBA offseason determined to strengthen their frontcourt after adding Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney, yet questions linger about whether those two pieces alone can provide enough size and reliability.
Roster sources have indicated the team remains open to further additions at the center or power forward spots, whether through another trade or a free-agent signing.
One proposal pitched by Sai Mohan of Heavy.com would send recently acquired guard Jaden Hardy to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Zeke Nnaji, a 2023 champion who has spent his career in a supporting role next to Nikola Jokic.
Mohan recently detailed this one-for-one concept, noting that the Lakers would absorb Nnaji’s $7.4 million salary while Denver takes on Hardy’s $6 million expiring contract.
The modest gap in compensation could allow Los Angeles to request a second-round pick as additional compensation, especially given Denver’s well-documented desire to stay under the luxury-tax apron and avoid heavier financial penalties.
Nnaji holds a player option for the following season, but that clause is not viewed as an insurmountable obstacle because the Lakers could move him again if needed.
For the Lakers, the appeal is straightforward. Kessler played only a handful of games last year after shoulder surgery, and Looney was limited to 21 appearances with the Pelicans because of various injuries. Sandro Mamukelashvili offers some positional flexibility, yet the rotation still looks thin if health issues persist.
Hardy, acquired in the Deandre Ayton deal, faces a crowded backcourt that already includes Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Bronny James, rookie Cameron Carr and Matisse Thybulle. Minutes would be scarce for a veteran guard who is not a defensive specialist, making him a logical trade chip to address a clearer need.
Denver’s motivation is equally practical. Hardy proved himself a capable backup point guard in Dallas and then posted career-best scoring numbers with the Wizards, averaging 12.6 points and knocking down 2.5 threes per game at a 42 percent clip in 23 appearances.
The Nuggets already re-signed Tyus Jones and added Lonnie Walker IV, yet another young scoring option off the bench would give them more lineup versatility behind Jamal Murray. Offloading Nnaji’s salary at the same time helps the franchise manage its payroll while Hardy’s team option for 2027-28 gives Denver an easy out if the fit does not materialize.
Whether the two sides ever formalize such a swap remains uncertain, but the idea illustrates how both franchises could solve complementary problems with a relatively low-risk transaction.
The Lakers would gain frontcourt insurance without surrendering a high-upside asset, and the Nuggets would add a proven shooter while trimming costs.
In a league where roster construction often hinges on such incremental improvements, this particular pitch has enough logic to keep circulating.
