After deciding to switch-up their roster, Los Angeles Lakers went from having two of the best players in the league to having.. two of the best players in the league.<\/p>\n
Until they actually play some games, it’s anyone’s guess as to how LeBron James<\/a> and Luka Doncic<\/a> will fare as teammates. On the one hand, both are ball-dominant playmakers. On the other hand, they both seem too intelligent, talented, and versatile for that to be much of a problem<\/a>. With that said, it probably isn’t the offensive side of the ball that the Lakers have to worry about.<\/p>\n In trading Anthony Davis<\/a>, Los Angeles lost their best defensive player. Indeed, whether Davis has ever been snubbed for Defensive Player of the Year award or the voters got it right, it doesn’t change the fact that he’s been an upper echelon defensive anchor since his days with the New Orleans Pelicans. The obstacle that the Lakers now face is finding a way to replace a big man with Davis’ blend of physical tools, shot-blocking instincts, and experience.<\/p>\n There are internal options, like Jaxson Hayes<\/a> and Jarred Vanderbilt<\/a>. However, Hayes’ defensive abilities aren’t as refined as Davis’s. Vanderbilt is regarded as a defensive weapon due to his ability to guard multiple positions but he’s undersized. To that point, up to this point, Lakers head coach JJ Redick’s preference has been for his defense to switch<\/em>. Because of the amount of perimeter penetration Los Angeles is likely to give up though, he might be better off with a drop<\/em> big.<\/p>\n Thus, it’s no surprise that L.A. is reportedly still looking<\/a> to trade for a center. If true, here are a few potential targets.<\/p>\n Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton<\/a> may not be the first player to come to mind. However, if he’s available, there might not be a better big man on the trade block. The issue is that the former No. 1 pick has routinely been criticized for a lack of effort, which will remind Lakers fans of Andrew Bynum<\/a>. Like Bynum, Ayton seems to have all the tools he needs to be consistently dominant, just not the mindset.<\/p>\n In acquiring Ayton, the hope would be that the circumstances would be a jolt. He’d be playing alongside arguably the best player in league history and<\/em> the best player 25-or-younger. He’d be on a team with legitimate championship aspirations. Last but not least, he’d be playing for a historic franchise that’s housed many Hall of Fame centers. If so, he’s one of the few players who can truly play at Davis’ level.<\/p>\n When he’s locked in, his defensive technique is beyond reproach. From a physical standpoint, he’s athletic enough to guard out in space or protect the rim. He’s nimble and has a soft enough touch to score from anywhere in the halfcourt.<\/p>\n Unlike his teammate, Blazers center Robert Williams III<\/a> is known to be available. It’s unclear what Portland’s asking price is. However, he’s been injury-prone throughout his career, which has had a negative impact on his value. So does the fact that the Trail Blazers have two other starting-caliber centers.<\/p>\n Nonetheless, when Williams is healthy, he’s a top-tier shot-blocker. What makes his defense even more impressive is that he’s elite when asked to guard along the perimeter. Thus, he can be a drop<\/em> or switch<\/em> big for the Lakers.<\/p>\n Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler<\/a> might not be attainable if his asking price is too high. In fact, by all accounts, that’s the hurdle that the Lakers have had trouble clearing<\/a>. Furthermore, as Jazz CEO Danny Ainge is known to drive a hard bargain, he’s unlikely to lower Kessler’s asking price just to give him away. Not only is Kessler one of the better young players, Jazz head coach Will Hardy is pretty fond of him.<\/p>\n That being said, New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson<\/a> would be a great consolation prize. A true 7-footer, he’s an elite rim-protector and rebounder who would clean up a lot of the Lakers’ defensive mistakes. Additionally, he’s far better standing sentinel around the rim than stepping away from it. Yet, he’s not mincemeat out there.<\/p>\n The Atlanta Hawks are disinclined to trade Larry Nance Jr.<\/a>, who has provided invaluable locker room leadership. With Jalen Johnson<\/a> now ruled out for the season<\/a>, what Nance provides on-court will be magnified as well. He’s not the burliest, tallest, or most chiseled big man out there. However, he’s a fluid athlete who has no issue guarding perimeter players while still offering rim-protection.<\/p>\n His offensive skillset is what makes him even more of a draw for the Lakers. He can be used as a playmaking hub because of his passing ability, basketball IQ, and ability to stretch the floor.<\/p>\n Toronto Raptors forward-center Chris Boucher<\/a> has had a resurgent season. This may be partially attributed to him allowing Darko Rajakovic to coach him up despite being 32 years old. His intangibles aren’t the most important area of his game for the Lakers though.<\/p>\n At 6-foot-9 and 200 pounds, he’s a game-changer with his three-point defense. Yet, he can still turn shots away above the rim. Though he’s unlikely to be a full-time center in L.A., the way he switches and rotates should please Redick. He differentiates himself from someone like Vanderbilt with his ability to knock down threes at the other end.<\/p>\n In keeping with the theme, Detroit Pistons big man Paul Reed<\/a> isn’t a true center. Nonetheless, he’s among the most underrated players in the league, particularly due to his defensive impact. His instincts, effort, and technique are all top-notch, so he can consistently be an x-factor at that end despite being 6-foot-9. Frankly, he might be the most astute big man in Lakers land following the trade.<\/p>\n As he’s Detroit’s third-string center, Los Angeles shouldn’t have to give up a king’s ransom for him.<\/p>\n At 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe<\/a> has better size for his position than Nance, Boucher, Reed, or Vanderbilt for that matter. Yet, he’s been working hard at being able to switch and slide his feet to reduce the chances of getting beat on the perimeter. Because of this, he may be a better fit than Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas<\/a>. To that point, Valanciunas is more skilled than Sharpe, but is lead-footed.<\/p>\nLakers Looking For Center Trade<\/h2>\n
Deandre Ayton<\/h3>\n
Robert Williams III<\/h3>\n
Mitchell Robinson<\/h3>\n
Larry Nance Jr.<\/h3>\n
Chris Boucher<\/h3>\n
Paul Reed<\/h3>\n
Day’Ron Sharpe & Jonas Valanciunas<\/h3>\n