5 free-agent centers the Lakers could sign to replace Dwight Howard

By Jason Reed | May 11, 2022

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 18: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson is already at the veteran-minimum point of his career and that makes him a very realistic target for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Thompson’s connection to the team is really quite simple as he is a former LeBron James teammate and a current Klutch Sports client.

The Lakers can deny it all they want but it is clear that Klutch does have some influence over the decisions that the team is making in the offseason. After all, it was LeBron James and Anthony Davis who reportedly pushed Rob Pelinka to trade for Russell Westbrook.

If the Lakers are deciding between Thompson and any of the other four centers on this list then Klutch might end up pushing for their guy, getting him a contract to play alongside LeBron James and increase his value once more.

Prime Thompson is definitely past us but LeBron tends to make big men better and it is not crazy to expect there to be some kind of increase in play for Thompson from last season if he were to join the Lakers. Last season he averaged 6.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game.

The Lakers could absolutely get a solid eight and eight out of Thompson in 18 or so minutes per game if utilized properly.

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