The Los Angeles Lakers are actively seeking to bolster their roster by adding a ‘big, bruising’ center, as head coach JJ Redick recently disclosed. The need for a quality center has become apparent, particularly given the team’s struggles in the previous season. In an interview on Sirius XM NBA Radio, Redick emphasized the Lakers’ desire to fill this gap.
“You certainly have to look at what I think is actually a very good roster, a very balanced roster. We’d love to, we tried, but we’d love to, at some point, get another five-man, a big bruising five-man.”
“You look at the Western Conference right now, whether it’s Denver, Minnesota, OKC with what they added, certainly Memphis, they’re going to be back in the hunt, they added Zach Edey, certain matchups in the playoffs, you’re going to need a lot of size.” (1:09)
“I want that challenge. I’m not going to run from that challenge”
New Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick explains the comments he made in 2022 about LA not being a good job at that time@TermineRadio | @jumpshot8 | @SiriusXMSports | #NBA2KSummerLeague pic.twitter.com/uLN9tH41Ex
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 13, 2024
He highlighted the Western Conference’s competitive landscape, with teams like Denver, Minnesota, and Memphis boasting significant size in their rosters. To compete effectively, especially in playoff matchups, the Lakers recognize the necessity of adding more size.
Despite having Anthony Davis, one of the league’s premier big men, the Lakers’ defense notably faltered when he was off the floor. Additionally, even with Davis on the court, the absence of a reliable center to pair with him has been a glaring issue.
The Lakers have experimented with players like Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes, but neither has consistently met the expectations to secure a regular rotation spot. Redick’s comments underscore the team’s understanding that a dependable center is crucial for their defensive stability and overall performance.
Finding a quality big man this late into the free agency period is challenging. However, the Lakers have a few potential avenues to explore. One option is to pursue a trade for an established player like Brook Lopez. The Milwaukee Bucks‘ center, who averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds last season, has a history with the Lakers and could be a valuable addition. However, his substantial contract and age might pose challenges.
Another strategy could involve internal development. The Lakers signed Colin Castleton to a two-way deal, and if he can step up, it would be a significant boost. Additionally, the Lakers could look for a reclamation project, similar to their successful acquisition of Dwight Howard in 2020. This approach involves bringing in a player who needs a second chance and could thrive in a supportive environment.
Despite the clear need, acquiring a quality center is not straightforward. The Lakers’ financial constraints and luxury tax considerations complicate potential moves. Moreover, the Lakers’ recent offseason attempts to bolster their roster have faced setbacks. Their interest in big names like Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan didn’t materialize, highlighting the difficulties in securing top-tier talent.
The Lakers’ quest to add a dominant big man underscores their commitment to surrounding Anthony Davis and LeBron James with the necessary support to contend for a championship.
While the challenges are significant, Redick’s acknowledgment of the issue is a step in the right direction. Whether through trades, development, or strategic acquisitions, the Lakers must address this roster gap to maximize their potential in the competitive Western Conference.
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