With Anthony Davis being sidelined for a while, the Los Angeles Lakers still need a big man with athleticism and size. Even when Anthony Davis comes back, a solid big man would be useful for situations where the Lakers need to go big. The Los Angeles Lakers could also use more depth, to heighten their chances at a championship.
The Los Angeles Lakers have two ways to acquire a big man: either they trade for a solid big man before the trade deadline, or they acquire somebody via a buyout. With that being said, here are the best big men for the Los Angeles Lakers.
6. DeMarcus Cousins
Buyout
DeMarcus Cousins hasn’t looked like his former All-Star self during his tenure in Houston, but some flashes showed that he still has something left in the tank. At his prime, DeMarcus Cousins was considered a dominant big man. Even if he can provide even a fraction of that on the Lakers, then he could potentially be a good signing.
DeMarcus Cousins could be a solid contributor with the Los Angeles Lakers. He’d be asked to rebound the ball, sometimes score, and shoot open jumpers. DeMarcus Cousins could be an upgrade on the big man situation in Los Angeles, and a re-union between Cousins and the franchise could be in everyone’s best interest.
5. Andre Drummond
Buyout
Andre Drummond could be a prime buyout candidate shortly. The Cleveland Cavaliers have been searching for a trade partner that would be willing to trade for the last year of Drummond’s contract, although so far, there has been no trade. If Drummond doesn’t get traded, he will likely get bought out.
Andre Drummond could be a solid acquisition for the Los Angeles Lakers. Drummond is an elite rebounder, quite possibly being the best pure rebounding center in the league. He is also an athletic rim protector on the defensive end while providing some okay interior offense. On the Los Angeles Lakers, he would have the opportunity to play for a team with championship aspirations, making it a prime destination for the former All-Star.
4. Clint Capela
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Montrezl Harrell, Alex Caruso, Alfonzo McKinnie, 2027 Lakers first-round pick
Clint Capela could be an elite target for the Los Angeles Lakers. Clint Capela already has the experience of playing with a high usage superstar: he was an elite lob catching finisher, and his chemistry with James Harden was amazing. Clint Capela also provides solid rebounding on the interior and is an athletic shot blocker. His potential as a complementary player around two superstars is amazing.
Clint Capela would take a solid trade package to get, and the Los Angeles Lakers would have to send out a future pick to get back a center of Capela’s caliber. This trade package would let the Los Angeles Lakers get an elite starting center, so it wouldn’t be a huge price to pay for a contending team.
3. Jonas Valanciunas
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jonas Valanciunas
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Montrezl Harrell, Alex Caruso, Alfonzo McKinnie, 2027 Lakers first-round pick
Jonas Valaciunas would be an underrated target for the Los Angeles Lakers. Jonas Valanciunas is a solid center that is currently averaging 15.8 PPG and 12.0 RPG. Jonas Valanciunas is an old school center, bullying people inside and scoring with a variety of post moves. Jonas Valanciunas could shoulder some of the scoring load while the two Lakers superstars are out.
Jonas Valanciunas would command a solid trade offer, similar to the Clint Capela package. Jonas Valanciunas would be a solid veteran to add to the roster, while also being a player that can raise the team’s ceiling. This is a solid trade for the Grizzlies as well, who get a pick for their rebuild.
2. Lauri Markkanen
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Chicago Bulls Receive: Alex Caruso, Talen Horton-Tucker, 2027 Lakers first-round pick
Lauri Markkanen is a young player that would immensely help the Los Angeles Lakers. Lauri Markkanen has shown his all-around game this season with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 18.3 PPG and 5.8 RPG, while shooting 40.5% from the 3PT range. His ability to space the floor would be beneficial when playing around two superstars, and he would also give the Los Angeles Lakers another big man.
Lauri Markkanen could be a solid third option on the offensive end, and he could be a great target for contending presently, while also being able to be a prospect for the future. Markkanen could ask for a big contract from the Chicago Bulls, meaning that they could potentially trade him. The Los Angeles Lakers would give up a great young prospect in Talen Horton-Tucker, as well as Alex Caruso and a future pick. While Horton-Tucker and Caruso are free agents in the summer, the Chicago Bulls could still pursue them. This seems like a fair trade for both teams.
1. LaMarcus Aldridge
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: LaMarcus Aldridge
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, Wesley Matthews
LaMarcus Aldridge hasn’t had an amazing individual season this year. But it was only last season when he was averaging 18.9 PPG and 7.4 RPG, while also spacing the floor at a good rate (38.9% from 3PT range). Recently, it has been revealed that Aldridge and the San Antonio Spurs will part ways. While it is possible that LaMarcus Aldridge would be headed to a buyout, the Los Angeles Lakers could send out a trade package to guarantee their chances of acquiring him.
There are a few trade packages that could potentially work for LaMarcus Aldridge, but the one that makes a lot of sense would be centered around Montrezl Harrell. Harrell is a big man who is just hitting his prime, and he could be good for the San Antonio Spurs. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Wesley Matthews are solid 3 and D players, that would help many rosters. This seems like a great trade package for an expiring contract on the Spurs’ end and would give the Los Angeles Lakers another great player to help them win a championship.
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