The Los Angeles Lakers are already attempting to turn one team's trash into treasure with the addition of DeAndre Ayton. Why not do it twice with Jock Landale?
Shams Charania announced on Twitter/X, "The Houston Rockets are waiving center Jock Landale ahead of his July 7 guarantee date, sources tell ESPN. Landale is expected to sign with his preferred destination upon clearing waivers."
Landale is far from a household name. In fact, the four-year pro may be one that many fans are unfamiliar with altogether. However, the Australian center is certainly more than worth the look for the Lakers as a second or third option on the center depth chart.
Landale's underrated abilities would rapidly provide stability to needed area
There are other names on the free agent market that Rob Pelinka and company will pay closer attention to before the dust settles. Al Horford immediately comes to mind as a player of interest.
Even someone like Chris Boucher is worth taking a flier on. Albeit, the former Toronto Raptors big man is more of a four than he is a five due to his slender size.
Past some of the more obvious names, the steadying presence of Landale would be a welcomed presence into the Lakers' locker room. The 29-year-old has been consistent through all stops of his NBA career.
Landale has averaged 5.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game throughout his time in the league, shooting 51.8 percent from the field, and even popping a few from downtown with 29.7 percent from beyond the arc. For those unimpressed, the per-36 numbers look better.
When adjusting for those metrics, Landale has posted 15.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game. The soon-to-be free agent big man makes the most of his limited time on the court.
🎥 Saint Mary's big man Jock Landale talks about his workout, and what he hopes to bring to the NBA pic.twitter.com/GiM7JFUn5F
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 21, 2018
Landale was on the Lakers' radar back in 2018 before the NBA Draft. The former Saint Mary's center ultimately went undrafted and worked his way back to carving out a role for himself in the league.
No one is saying Landale should be Plan A or even Plan B. However, if using the same principles as the Ayton signing, this would be an addition that does not cost the Lakers any assets and can likely be had at a minimum contract.
Ayton and Landale were actually teammates on the Phoenix Suns too. The latter even loudly defended the former to the media amid scrutiny surrounding the then starting Suns center.
Landale has shined as a solid rebounder, particularly on the offensive end, a serviceable rim protector, and a capable offensive option. In terms of depth additions, this is a fallback option and bargain worth monitoring for the Lakers.