Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the cheap free-agent center options

By Jason Reed | Jun 27, 2021

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 20: Dwight Howard #39 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Hassan Whiteside #20 of the Sacramento Kings at the Wells Fargo Center on March 20, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Kings 129-105. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

5. Robin Lopez

Robin Lopez was a player who I was monitoring to be on the buyout market last season for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers ended up getting Andre Drummond, who is the better player, but early in the season, Lopez appeared to be the most likely center to get bought out.

He did not get bought out as the Washington Wizards got healthier and actually managed to make the NBA Playoffs via the NBA Play-In Tournament. Now Lopez is a free agent and he is a contingency plan for the Lakers if they do not land anyone else on this list.

Lopez is a bit better of a scorer than the other centers on this list but that is not what the Lakers need in the position. The Lakers need rebounding and shot-blocking and despite being seven feet tall, Lopez leaves more to be desired in that department.

Lopez averaged just 3.8 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 19.1 minutes per game last season. He averaged the most points per game of any player on this list in under 20 minutes but that is not enough to move him higher.

He definitely should not be the team’s no. 1 option but they could theoretically make it work if Robin Lopez ends up being the guy at center.

Home/Lakers Free Agency