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Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the possible Marc Gasol replacement centers

By Jason Reed

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)
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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. DeAndre Jordan

DeMarcus Cousins is more versatile than DeAndre Jordan but I trust Jordan far more than Cousins when it comes to playing a tangible role and holding up throughout the course of the season. Jordan is also no longer the former version of himself but he would be just fine as a rim-protecting and rebounding big.

This would essentially give the Lakers the same dynamic that they had with Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee during the title run except Jordan is better than McGee was during that season.

This would take away some minutes at the five for Davis but that might be better depending on his feelings. While he appears open to the change, he has been hesitant in leaning into the center position in the past. This allows him to ease into that role before taking on a bigger role as the five in the playoffs.

Davis would still operate at the center in crunch time with Russell Westbrook on the floor but for the most part, the team could stagger minutes to get Howard and Jordan a combined 40 minutes per game.

It might not be the best fit on paper and it would have to be tweaked in the playoffs but it would be just fine in the regular season. The Lakers’ talent alone will propel them to a top seed in the West.

Jordan is probably the most likely person to join the Los Angeles Lakers on this list. He was traded to the Detroit Pistons on Friday and is expected to be subsequently waived, making him a free agent.

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