Los Angeles Lakers have done a fantastic job during the free agency. Apparently, the front office has acquired most of the prominent names that were needed to make a strong roster for the 2023 season. But they are still looking for a big man who can play alongside Anthony Davis.
Apparently, it is observed that he always plays better after he gets to conserve his energy well since his days with New Orleans Pelicans. Otherwise, he barely manages to play more than 60 games a season due to his delicate fitness. AD has never played more than 72 games any season in his career so far. But everybody knows that the eight-time All-Star is essential for the Lakers’ success. Hence, the 17-time champions must find a big man who can share the responsibility at the center with their star player Anthony Davis. But what are the options for that position? Keep reading to find out.
Rob Pelinka Reveals They’re Looking For A Center As Their 14th Man
The Lakers GM Rob Pelinka recently told Sportsnaut’s Mark Medina about his brilliant plan to fill in the last two spots in his roster. According to him, one of the last two additions might impress Anthony Davis. The Lakers are indeed planning to add a center. Although they already have a potentially solid center in their roster in the form of Jaxson Hayes. He impressed the front office as well during the NBA Summer League game against the Golden States Warriors. Pelinka also mentioned during the ESPN Broadcast of that game that Hayes is a big man and a rim protector. The way he plays, he can be a good fit with the likes of point guards like D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves.
On the other hand, according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, Colin Castleton can be a potential offensive big deep in the team’s rotation. However, Tristan Thompson’s name is also coming out as he is a solid defensive player and can be the worthy big man the Lakers are looking for. Lately, Mo Bamba was an option, but he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. Moreover, the Lakers still have a chance to acquire centers like Christian Wood and Bismack Biyombo. Hence, they clearly have plenty of options to add as a center to round their 14-man roster.
Lakers Had It Easy To Retain Austin Reaves
Apparently, the notion going around is that the Lakers were lucky to retain Austin Reaves. They did not get much competition from teams like San Antonio Spurs or others, as expected. The four-year deal worth $56 million is nothing but a steal on behalf of the Lakers. For whatever reason, the Spurs or the Orlando Magic or others went back and forth but did not offer any big deal which they could have. After all, they had a bigger cap space than the Los Angeles Lakers. Later, the 17-time champions managed to retain D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, which is an added bonus.
There was a lot of concern regarding many players heading toward free agency. Moreover, there was an issue with their cap space due to the presence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But the Lakers could not let go of the trio of young talents – Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura. They chalked out a perfect plan, and they executed it brilliantly. Moreover, they acquired plenty of quality talents like Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, and Taurean Prince.
