The Los Angeles Lakers saw Alex Len made his debut for the franchise last night in a 131-119 loss to the Utah Jazz. Len looked bad on the court, putting up four points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes, mostly during garbage time. This debut won’t stop Len from getting minutes, as the Lakers lost Jaxson Hayes to injury during the game.
Len averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds this season before signing with the Lakers. He’s an average rotational center but might not have the explosiveness or defensive ability to maximize his effectiveness on the Lakers as currently constructed.
The team needs someone with a singular focus on blocking shots and finishing at the rim to have a shot at competitive hoops.
The free agent market for bigs is very bleak right now unless someone wants to give a call to old veterans such as JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, or DeMarcus Cousins. Instead, the Lakers could look to a player in the NBA and snap him up the second he becomes free from his duties with the San Antonio Spurs – Bismack Biyombo.
Bismack Biyombo Would Be The Best Fit For The Lakers
If you look at the free agent market right now, there aren’t even any elite options who could contribute to teams unless they have a specific role. Potentially impactful players like Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz have already been signed up. Simmons in particular would be great for the Lakers right now given their lack of playable big-men, with Simmons being a valid choice at center with his 6’10” frame.
Bismack Biyombo signed a 10-day contract with the Spurs on Feb 9 but hasn’t made an impact on the squad. He’s appeared in one game for the Spurs and is expected to return to free agency once his current deal expires.
The Lakers will have to swoop in and snatch him up before the Spurs or any other team tries signing him to a full-time deal or another 10-day contract.
Biyombo has averaged 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over his career, playing 14 seasons as a defensive center who focuses on rebounding and blocking shots. He is still more explosive than someone like Len and will actively make attempts at protecting the rim.
He won’t have any on-ball utility and likely won’t be a major offensive contributor, but he’d be a valuable body to throw out there to give the Lakers a center-rebounding threat. The signing won’t solve much but it at least gives the Lakers an option that doesn’t end with either LeBron James, Dorian Finney-Smith, or Rui Hachimura filling out center minutes.
The Lakers need a veteran who can come in and understand what’s needed from him instead of a rising youngster. Not only will the Lakers be secure in the veteran center being familiar with his role and playing through the NBA Playoffs, but Biyombo would also bring a solid leadership element that could help the roster right now.
Having three centers bringing different elements to the court across 48 minutes could be the best way the Lakers address their hole at the position. Hayes provides lob finishes and rim protection, while Biyombo is a more complete defensive prospect. Len can rebound at a high level but his defense might be the worst of the three.
This is contingent on Biyombo leaving the Spurs when his 10-day is up. If San Antonio, who also need warm bodies at center, decide to keep Biyombo for the rest of the season before he returns to free agency, the Lakers might have to explore alternate paths.
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