The 'help wanted' sign remains up for the Los Angeles Lakers when it comes to filling the spot at center. Yes, it's true.
The Lakers made their move to boost the frontcourt yesterday when they reached a deal with free agent center Alex Len. Luring the former Sacramento Kings center away from joining the Indiana Pacers secured them an option for situational minutes in the rotation when a big body is needed.
However, the expectations for what Len can do for the Lakers should be modest at best. With the the availability of potential upgrades slim at the moment, Los Angeles will be forced to keep a close eye on any potential developments across the NBA.
What's left for the Lakers?
Lakers insider Jovan Buha discussed the possibilities of what the organization does from here on an episode of Buha's Block. The first thing that the writer from The Athletic suggested was the Lakers needing to continue their monitoring of the center market. The names Buha mentioned as candidates worth a look, if available, were Chris Boucher, Kelly Olynyk, and Larry Nance Jr.
When it comes to Olynyk, it does not sound like he will be available, based on the words spoken by David Griffin at a recent press conference. The New Orleans Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations sounds quite intent on holding onto the recently-acquired players obtained from the Toronto Raptors.
"We needed more veteran presence, we needed more basketball IQ," Griffin told the media. "We needed more floor spacing around Zion [Williamson]. What we really needed was championship-caliber human beings. ... This [acquiring Olynyk and Bruce Brown] is not viewed as a short-term situation with either player in our minds."
With Olynyk off the table, how about Boucher? Well, that one also sounds unlikely, based on a report from NBA insider Jake Fischer.
"Sources say that Boucher and his expiring contract generated interest from numerous suitors before the trade deadline, from the Clippers to the Nuggets, but Toronto opted to keep him," Fischer wrote. "Word is that there has been no discussion to this point on a Boucher buyout."
That just leaves Nance. However, even the former Laker seems like a long shot. NBA reporter Sam Quinn explained why the Atlanta Hawks are in no position where they would want to help the Lakers.
I've seen a few people suggest Larry Nance as a buyout target for the Lakers.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) February 9, 2025
I'm not ruling it out. There are reasons it makes sense (former Laker, impending free agent, cost-cutting team).
But remember, the Hawks have the Lakers' pick this year. They don't want to help them.
Is the situation as bleak as it sounds? Quite honestly, in terms of adding someone new, it probably is. For better or for worse, the Lakers are probably stuck with what they have in the frontcourt after the addition of Len. This writer will reiterate a point from a previous article that Los Angeles should view small ball as the solution for the 2024-25 NBA season.
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