Los Angeles Lakers: 3 free agent centers to fill last roster spot

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 09: Dewayne Dedmon #14 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts during the first half of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena on March 9, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 09: Dewayne Dedmon #14 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts during the first half of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena on March 9, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

2. Dewayne Dedmon

Dewayne Dedmon was recently waived by the Detroit Pistons and is set to receive his salary of over $13 million still. So any deal he signs will be a veteran minimum deal, making him a perfect Lakers target.

Dedmon has been an average defender for his career. He can give you a steal and a block per game and is someone who has the ability to stretch the floor. Although inconsistent last year shooting the 3-pointer, he is a career 33.3% shooter from deep.

In the 2018-19 season, he was very good at spreading the floor as he shot 38.2% from deep on 3.4 attempts per game. He will be a much different option than Gasol as he will provide more offense. But maybe an offense and defense change-up will be good for the team.

He is a crafty veteran and has played for bad teams the majority of his career. So a change to a good environment that is built on winning could help his play. Winning can have positive effects on players and Dedmon is a good candidate to fill that role behind Gasol.