Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the possible Marc Gasol replacement centers

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 Elsa/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. LaMarcus Aldridge

Update: LaMarcus Aldridge was reportedly agreed to a deal with the Brooklyn Nets. 

LaMarcus Aldridge has been medically cleared to resume his NBA career after he was forced to prematurely retire last season. While Aldridge would be the best option for the Los Angeles Lakers, the chances of him joining the Lakers seem very slim.

It seems more likely that Aldridge would return to the Nets, taking up the roster spot that the Nets created by trading Jordan. There is a reason they traded him, after all, so I would not expect Aldridge over Jordan in terms of likelihood.

However, it still is possible that Aldridge could spurn the Nets and sign with the Lakers. It is more unlikely today than it was yesterday with the trade, but it is still possible.

Aldridge brings the best of both worlds as he could play either the four or the five and would fit nicely with whoever the Lakers have out there. If they need him to play some four with Dwight Howard at the five that would be fine. He can definitely log minutes next to Anthony Davis and can even play some center with Carmelo at the four in a smaller lineup.

Aldridge can bang down low and grab boards, still has savvy post moves and has extended his shooting range. We would be a legitimate asset for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Jordan is far more likely to be a Laker than Aldridge, but Aldridge would have a bigger impact.