The Los Angeles Lakers have not made any significant moves this offseason. As for where the team is currently at, many can evaluate the lack of depth at the center position. The coaching staff and JJ Redick have acknowledged the lack of frontcourt depth and are exploring options to add another big man to the roster. As the season approaches, big man Christian Wood is recovering from knee surgery, and two-way center Christian Koloko is yet to receive medical clearance to play himself. Even forward Jarred Vanderbilt has yet to play in any preseason game after offseason surgery on both feet. This leaves Jaxson Hayes as the primary backup to Davis. Quite slim, to say the least, for the frontcourt heading into the new season. These are some options the purple and gold can target this upcoming season.
3 Centers for the Lakers to Target in Potential Trades
Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets
Day’Ron Sharpe was a late first-round pick in 2021 by the Brooklyn Nets who has shown flashes of potential. With Nic Claxton recently signing an extension deal and being the primary big man for Brooklyn, they possibly would be interested in what the Lakers have to offer. Sharpe has shown he has NBA-level size and athleticism for the center spot and an ability to make plays on the defensive end. It wouldn’t be too hard for the Lakers to find a matching salary to make a deal for Sharpe. He is currently making under $4 million in salary this season. Sharpe is a quite viable option that seems feasible, given LA wouldn’t have to give up many assets in return.
Lakers Cheap Big Man Trade Targets:
DAY’RON SHARPE
• Expiring $3.9M
• Massive, Bully Ball Frame & Strength
• High Motor & Athleticism
• Rabid Rebounder, Mobile Big
Fun Prospect.
🎥: 7 Lower-End Bigs LAL Can Trade For Now w/o Using a 1st Rd Pick:https://t.co/MQjgDFsq8d pic.twitter.com/Q3RuEwAC42
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) September 16, 2024
Jonas Valančiūnas, Washington Wizards
This one shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. The Wizards acquired Jonas Valanciunas on a very modest contract and are in a rebuilding position that would make getting some long-term assets for him a sensible move. The Lakers have been in talks and tried acquiring the Valanciunas when he was a free agent this summer. Valanciunas has long been a dominant rebounder and talented low-post scorer in this league. With career averages of 13.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, the 13th-year veteran knows how to use his size to his advantage. The nice thing about Jonas is that he has a lot of experience as a starter and could easily slide into that spot next to Anthony Davis if the Lakers wanted to play big. The problem would be having to wait until mid-December when Valanciunas is eligible to be traded again.
Jonas Valanciunas continues to be linked to the #Lakers. https://t.co/UWKV47jBr1
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) September 12, 2024
Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets
One of the players the Lakers had eyes for this offseason was Charlotte Hornets big man Nick Richards. Considering that he is owed $10 million over the next two seasons, $5 million per year, Richards is a viable option. The Lakers would not have to get rid of too many assets in order to acquire the big, bruising center. With the Hornets, Richards has proven to be a strong rebounder and finisher inside the paint. While he is not the most efficient defender, his ability to create energy in the second unit as a pick-and-roll center makes him a unique talent and a solid fit. After showing interest in Richards over the summer, the Lakers could potentially revisit these talks closer to the trade deadline.
Is Nick Richards on the Lakers’ radar? @BrettSiegelNBA breaks down the latest intel and trade rumors surrounding the Lakers and several teams’ pursuits of Richards.https://t.co/B22geTPGog pic.twitter.com/Upe34ncnDT
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 15, 2024
Last Word
With all the rumors and talks circulating, we are to see what the purple and gold do. LA’s lack of big men is definitely concerning to start the season, but we should expect the frontcourt depth to bolster as their injured players return. This might halt many of these talks and the possibility of the Lakers even wanting to trade for another center. However, these three names are just a few to list that have some upside in adding depth to the center position. All of these centers also wouldn’t tarnish the purple and gold in having to trade away as many assets. We are to see throughout the next several months as the season unfolds and especially before the trade deadline if LA is to make any moves.
