Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Most important questions in 2018
By Ed Schrenzel
2. Who will be the starting center next season? Multiple options include:
-Re-signing either Brook Lopez or Andrew Bogut. Each would maintain a veteran defensive presence in the middle. Lopez is still an offensive threat at age 29. He is in the final year of a large contract, and it is not publicly known what his salary demands will be.
-Promoting one of the two youngsters, Ivica Zubac or Thomas Bryant. Neither has played more than a few minutes yet this season. But each is likely to be given some significant court time down the stretch in what will amount to an audition for the future.
-Playing small-ball the entire game with players like Randle and Larry Nance Jr at the 5. Each is 6-9, and often use their energy and hustle to offset their height discrepancy against first-rate 7-foot opponents. The question is, would this approach work all game long?
-Pursuing a free agent star like DeMarcus Cousins. Boogie is perhaps the most abundantly talented big in the NBA. Because of the Lakers need at this position, he might be their #1 target. But he has a history of attitude problems, and he can be lazy on defense. How certain can the front office be that he would he fit well with returning players?
-Signing a less expensive veteran free agent. There are always several big bodies available with various strengths and weaknesses.