Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the possible Marc Gasol replacement centers

By Jason Reed | Sep 3, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball guarded by Kelly Olynyk #9 of the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. Ersan Ilyasova

Ersan Ilyasova is not a center in the slightest but that is where the big-man market is currently at. Ilyasova is one of the four best options for the Los Angeles Lakers to sign and if all else fails with the three players ranked ahead of him, which is certainly possible, then the move might be to sign Ilyasova.

This inclusion is cheating a bit as Ilyasova is not a center, as mentioned, but it would still give the Lakers more center depth. Ilyasova would be able to log minutes at the power forward position and allow Anthony Davis to play more center.

Ilyasova is not going to have a big role but even if he is only playing 10 minutes per game at the four that is 10 more minutes that AD can log minutes at the five. AD is going to have to play more center this season anyway and this is a way to force that issue.

Ilyasova would have been perfect for this team if it was three years ago. His athleticism is not as prominent and he is not a good defensive player. However, he is someone who can stand in the corner and provide a catch-and-shoot presence from beyond the arc.

Definitely the worst option and far worse than Marc Gasol, but if push comes to shove, he is an option.

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