The Los Angeles Lakers have looked like a relatively more complete team with the addition of Deandre Ayton in free agency. As the players and the executives display contentment with the moves made, it is abundantly clear that the team needs reinforcements to be considered legitimate title contenders.
The Lakers have addressed their primary need for a big man in their frontcourt rotation. The re-signing of Jaxson Hayes has also provided additional depth. But with one spot left, the Purple and Gold can certainly do better than Trey Jemison III or Christian Koloko.
A potential target who may fit the Lakers’ current style of play would be former New York Knicks big man Precious Achiuwa. Although undersized, Achiuwa brings a lot of intangibles to the table, which could prove valuable in the Lakers’ system.
The 25-year-old, 6’8″ center is an athletic and high-energy bench performer. Having started his career with the Miami Heat in 2020, Achiuwa consistently outperformed expectations for his size, contributing through grit and relentless energy.
Last season with the Knicks, his limited playing time was unsurprising under Tom Thibodeau‘s tight rotation. In 20.5 minutes per game, the big man recorded an average of 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds, while shooting 50.2% from the field and 27.8% from three-point range.
While his perimeter shooting isn’t an impressive feature, Achiuwa displays enough efficiency from the field to suggest that he made the most of his opportunities.
The most impressive part of Achiuwa’s game is his ability to run the floor. At 6’8″, 225lbs, he is an extremely nimble center. While pairing this with his athleticism, he becomes a very capable rim-running big as well as a consistent lob threat.
Considering how capable Luka Doncic is at finding players cutting to the rim and rewarding them, Achiuwa could be a great fit next to the Lakers guard.
PRECIOUS ACHIUWA POSTER ON ISAIAH STEWART 🤯😳
OH MY! pic.twitter.com/O921NLkcEK
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 10, 2025
During his time with the Toronto Raptors, the center also displayed an ability to create his own shot, often leading transition plays and pulling up for three-pointers in rhythm.
The subsequent drop-off in his three-point shooting averages doesn’t present a positive outlook for improvement, but it does suggest that he is comfortable with leading a fastbreak on his own.
It is important to note that he isn’t a standout defensive stopper. But his sturdy frame and base allow him to hold his own against bigger players, while his athleticism and agility help him disrupt offensive plays.
Perhaps an underrated contributor to the blowout – the guy who was “replaced.”
Here’s a minute and a half of spectacular, disruptive, active, Precious Achiuwa defense. pic.twitter.com/4SquLP78TB
— Rit Holtzman (@BenRitholtzNBA) May 16, 2024
His defensive numbers leave more to be desired, with averages of 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. But considering his potential role as the third big off the bench, this may not be as much of a factor.
As a free agent, it is easy for the Purple and Gold to acquire Achiuwa on a relatively cap-friendly contract, especially since they’ve used up their mid-level exception on Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton.
Although signing a flexible big man could round out the Lakers’ frontcourt, the front office’s current efforts have been focused on acquiring a solid wing player. When making considerations for the ultimatum placed upon them by LeBron James, it can be understood why the Purple and Gold may opt to focus their energies on addressing these issues first.
