Los Angeles Lakers: 3 cost efficient options at center with DeMarcus Cousins out

The Los Angeles Lakers lost starting center DeMarcus Cousins to a torn ACL. We take a look at three cost-efficient options that can help them right away.

On Thursday afternoon, the Los Angeles Lakers received word that starting center DeMarcus Cousins tore his ACL. The injury will force Cousins to miss the entire 2019–20 season and as of now, thrust JaVale McGee into the starting center role.

With that being said, behind McGee, the Lakers don’t have many options. So we will take a look at some cost-efficient guys that can help the Lakers this season absorb minutes at the five position. All players mentioned in the article will probably receive no more than the veteran minimum which the Lakers are able to offer.

The Lakers have the ability to move Anthony Davis to the center spot at times if they would like, but AD prefers to play at power forward. However, moving him to the five late in games could cause huge mismatches for opponents. Davis is one of the best defenders in basketball so the Lakers could go small and still keep a great defensive lineup on the floor with bigger teams.

With that being said, it is still crucial for the Lakers to find a backup center that can play 10-15 minutes a night. With the Lakers over the cap at the moment, all they’re able to offer is a veteran minimum.

Taking a look at the market there is some value there, and guys who can come off the bench and have some value. They won’t be guys that are going to light up the scoreboard but you have LeBron James and Anthony Davis that will help in that area.