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3 floor-spacing centers the Lakers could sign instead of Christian Wood

By Jason Reed

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 13: Markieff Morris #13 of the Dallas Mavericks controls the ball as Santi Aldama #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends during the first half at American Airlines Center on March 13, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 13: Markieff Morris #13 of the Dallas Mavericks controls the ball as Santi Aldama #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends during the first half at American Airlines Center on March 13, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers have had an excellent offseason thus far, building out a 13-man roster via free agency that is better than last year’s team. If all goes right, this is a Lakers team that can legitimately be playing in the NBA Finals.

With two roster spots left to fill, one need has been thrust into the spotlight. Rob Pelinka confirmed the team was active in the center market and wants to bring in a big that has a different skill set than Jaxson Hayes (can space the floor). All signs have then pointed to Christian Wood.

However, there are some concerns about Wood, how he could distract the team, and how a prominent player on the team may not even want him in LA. All of these factors are working against Wood, which could cause LA to look in a different direction.

These three floor-spacing centers would be better for the Lakers than Christian Wood:

1. Markieff Morris

We dedicated an entire article to Markieff Morris, who would be returning to Los Angeles if he were to sign with the Lakers. Morris’ production over the last two seasons has gone down but he has proven that he can hit shots on the biggest stage for the Lakers.

Morris was such an important part of the 2020 championship run as he and Rajon Rondo were the two best three-point shooting role players on the team. Morris swung entire games with his red-hot three-point shooting and he could certainly do the same again.

Morris is not a traditional center but in today’s NBA he is good enough to be a backup five. If the Lakers are playing Anthony Davis with Hayes, the team could run a really big, flexible second unit that includes Morris, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt.

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