Los Angeles Lakers: 3 free-agent centers that would improve the roster

Tristan Thompson

One of the benefits of having LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers is having his right-hand man and super agent Rich Paul in direct line with the Los Angeles Lakers’ front office.

That direct line led to the Lakers landing Anthony Davis.

So if Dwight hits the road, the Lakers are going to need a rebounding machine to replace him.

With minimal cap space, where could the Los Angeles Lakers possibly find such a player?

Well… if LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Rich Paul can convince him to take a one-year pay-cut to win another ring, there is a player by the name of Tristan Thompson who fits the bill perfectly.

Tristan Thompson is wildly underrated that, because of playing in Cleveland, does not get anywhere near the respect he deserves.

For the last two seasons, Tristan Thompson has been an absolute rebounding machine and this is with a team that has Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr and Andre Drummond now on the roster.

With Cleveland in perennial rebuild mode, it is no place for a player who wants to win a championship to be. If Thompson comes to Los Angeles, he joins a ready-made contender in one of the biggest markets in sports.

Thompson can play at a high level, get paid next season, and potentially win a ring in the process.

What’s not to like?

Thompson offers a like for like replacement for Dwight Howard in terms of scoring and rebounding. He definitely isn’t the defender Dwight is but is an active defender capable of making the opposition work for their basket.

Thompson has ties to Los Angeles with the mother of his child Khloe Kardashian living in Los Angeles. Potentially moving to LA and being around his family more could be worth the financial hit he will be taking for the year.

Thompson offers the Lakers a real talent for a bargain price and if he comes to LA, you can believe that the Lakers will be in a really good position with him in the rotation.