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

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)
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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

4. Dewayne Dedmon

Dewayne Dedmon is another center who has recently entered the league-minimum point of his career. Dedmon did get a decent payday from the Atlanta Hawks as he is now part of the rich veteran center market. Dedmon will turn 33 prior to next season, putting him in the exact same ballpark as all of these options.

The Lakers would have somewhat of an advantage in signing Dedmon if they ultimately were interested in bringing him in. As a minimum player, Dedmon will have his choice of teams offering the team money this offseason.

However, Dedmon is from Lancaster, which could make it an easy decision to come home and play for the Los Angeles Lakers. If so, Dedmon would offer more of the same as these other options with a bit more offensive versatility.

In 15.9 minutes per game, the seven-footer averaged 6.3 points and 5.8 rebounds. Those are standard numbers for the players that we are diving into. However, Dedmon has the ability to space the floor, which none of these other options have.

Dedmon is by no means a lights-out three-point shooter but he can hit an open three and can even provide some jump shooting in the mid-range. Heck, there was a two-year stretch with Atlanta where Dedmon averaged 2.8 threes attempted per game and shot 37.2% from beyond the arc.