The Los Angeles Lakers’ big man rotation has undergone a complete overhaul this offseason. Rob Pelinka and the front office pulled off a sign-and-trade for Walker Kessler to be the team’s starting center for the long-term while the team also added veteran Kevon Looney and forward Sandro Mamukelashvili is also capable of sliding up and playing the position as well.
Despite all the new pieces, however, the Lakers could still look to add another big man as they are reportedly still monitoring the market for the position either through a trade or free agency signing, via Dan Woike of The Athletic:
The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic. They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity.
As was noted, the Lakers’ roster is completely full after the signing of wing Ziaire Williams, so it would seem like a trade is more likely, especially considering the free agency options are pretty slim. Bismack Biyombo, Nick Richards and Christian Koloko are the most notable unrestricted free agents still on the market.
The Lakers could be looking for more of a floor spacing big man to add to their depth chart as neither Kessler or Looney is known for that, though head coach JJ Redick is reportedly pushing Kessler to extend his range. Last season, the Lakers had Maxi Kleber as their floor spacer to offset Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes operating almost exclusively in the paint, but now all three are gone.
Even the Lakers’ small-ball center options from last season are gone in LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, so the front office still keeping an eye out for some more depth up front makes a ton of sense. Even if the team can’t add another traditional center, getting someone who can handle some minutes up front may be necessary to get through a long and grueling regular season.
Lakers Summer League standout Arthur Kaluma being considered for two-way contract
The Lakers’ Summer League run is now over and one player who stood out in a big way was wing Arthur Kaluma, who parlayed a solid G League season into being the Lakers’ leading scorer in Las Vegas. And now, the team is reportedly considering rewarding him with a two-way contract.
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