Apr 2, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) and Dallas Mavericks center Brandan Wright (34) battle for a rebound in the first quarter of the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers desperately need to get younger and more athletic this off-season. While most of their rumored targets have been shooters thus far, a new name popped up Monday.
League source: The #Knicks are interested in free agent big man Brandan Wright. The Lakers, Mavericks, Pistons & Raptors are also after him.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) July 1, 2013
Wright is a former 8th overall pick who has spent time on three different teams in his five year career. His most recent two-year stint with the Mavericks was by far his most successful as he 8.5 points and 4.1 rebounds last year in 18 minutes a game. His per 36 minute averages of 17.0 points and 8.1 rebounds were actually comparable to Pau Gasol’s 14.6 points and 9.2 rebounds, although that can be taken with a grain of salt.
Nevertheless, Wright would be a solid pick-up for a Lakers team short on athleticism and size if Dwight Howard leaves LA.