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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

1. Taj Gibson

This is not your stereotypical option here. Taj Gibson has played power forward the majority of his career and at six-nine, he’s not the tallest center. But he did play center for the Knicks last year and runs the floor a bit better than Gasol.

Gibson is a smart veteran that has good positioning on offense and defense. In his Chicago Bulls days, they had some good matchups with LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

He is very good on the offensive glass, which is imperative for his size playing center in some lineups. He has averaged 2.3 offensive rebounds per game for his career. So the 6’9 size label shouldn’t be something to be turned off by.

Gibson has had a good career as a role player and made his fair share of money in his career. As it starts to wind down, a good landing spot could be the Lakers. He is average on both ends of the floor and going after a ring could be added motivation.

It’s worth a call to see if the pairing could make sense.