The Los Angeles Lakers have had quite the exciting few weeks just before the trade deadline closed. They made a shocking blockbuster trade that involved sending Anthony Davis to the Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić. After losing such a dominant defenive center in Davis, it made it urgent for Rob Pelinka to find a replacement. The Lakers filled that need by giving up Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a pick swap for Hornets big man Mark Williams. However, this past Saturday, it was reported that the Williams’ deal was voided after the 23-year-old center failed to pass his physical. The unfortunate news has the Lakers front office frantic to find more depth in their center position.
Potential Buyout Candidates for the Lakers to Add Center Depth
Desperation And Who Is Left to Get at Center
The purple and gold are extremely lacking in the center position. The team currently has no healthy centers other than Jaxson Hayes. Another big man to help Hayes is going to be quite important as the Lakers move closer to the end of the season and towards the playoffs. They could use a solid big to help take the weight off of Hayes’ shoulders, while providing rim protection and securing rebounds.
With the NBA trade deadline having passed, the Lakers have to look towards the buyout market to grab another center. Fred Katz of The Athletic tweeted out how the Lakers are limited as to who they can add via buyout.
The Lakers are now left with Jaxson Hayes as their only center. And one piece to note about this: Since they are above the first apron, they cannot sign any buyout players who were previously making more than the midlevel exception.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) February 9, 2025
The 2024-25 midlevel exception is $12,822,000, meaning the Lakers are unable to sign any bought-out player who was making more than that prior to their buyout agreement. Despite not being able to go out and get an exceptional center, there are still a couple of options who could make the team better now.
Center Options
Daniel Theis
Daniel Theis, now 32 years old, started the season on the New Orleans Pelicans. He was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the deadline before being waived. When considering how Doncic and LeBron James play the game, Theis is not the ideal rim-runner and best finisher at the five spot. However, he does provide outside shooting and spacing. He is still a guy who plays physical, will get rebounds,and play solid defense. Considering the slim options in the market and what they can get, Theis provides a veteran presence that would absolutely be able to contribute short-term. While it has been reported that Theis may head to the EuroLeague, that is not yet official.
Mo Bamba
Lakers fans are familiar with Mo Bamba, who was acquired by LA at the 2023 trade deadline. With Anthony Davis still on the roster, it resulted in him not getting many minutes. Bamba was waived in the summer of 2023. He followed up by signing a one-year deal with the 76ers but struggled to establish a consistent role there. He then signed with the Clippers for the 2024-25 season but was traded to the Utah Jazz last week. The Jazz ended up waiving him, making him a free agent once again.
Bamba seems to be the more enticing fit, when playing alongside Dončić and James. He’s a more modern big with athletic versatility to work well in pick-and-rolls. He has also provided a more reliable three-point shot in his career when compared to Theis. Considering the Lakers’ desperation at the center spot, he seems like a viable candidate to be given another opportunity with the team.
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