Los Angeles Lakers: Pros and cons of keeping or signing 14 players

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 08: Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott talks with Earvin "Magic" Johnson during the PAC-12 Men's Basketball Tournament game between the Stanford Cardinal and the UCLA Bruins on March 08, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 08: Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott talks with Earvin "Magic" Johnson during the PAC-12 Men's Basketball Tournament game between the Stanford Cardinal and the UCLA Bruins on March 08, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Centers – the team has options on both players

Ivica Zubac

Pros: Although he took a step back last year, he still showed promise on offense in pick and rolls and follow-up shots. This is his year to prove that he can be more than a back-up. He promised to work on his conditioning and 3-point shooting. His option is cheap enough (a tad over $1.5 million) to give him a chance.

Cons: He is too slow-footed and rooted to the ground to contribute defensively. It’s time for the team to look elsewhere, perhaps including him in a trade package.

Thomas Bryant

Pros: He was a G League All-Star who already has a viable 3-point shot. He is ready to showcase his ability at the NBA level now, either as a starter or back-up

Cons: He is still raw and not ready to compete with NBA bigs night in and night out. He’s probably worth keeping (his option price is just under $1.4 million) but he’s years away from being a starter.