The Los Angeles Lakers are looking like a genuine contender in the Western Conference, but adding an extra center on the trade market could really help put them over the top. Memphis Grizzlies big man, who becomes trade eligible on December 15, could be the perfect target.
Landale may not be the flashiest name, but he’s having a solid season in Memphis, and he would be a nice upgrade over Jaxson Hayes and the rest of LA’s backup center options behind Deandre Ayton. Having a steady hand like Landale could help the Lakers stay on pace for home-court advantage in the postseason.
The question is, will they be willing to pull the trigger?
How could Jock Landale help the Lakers?
Before joining the Grizzlies this year, Landale spent the last two seasons playing for the Houston Rockets after beginning his career with the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns.
He’s been playing the most minutes of his career, earning 24.4 per contest while also starting 13 of the Grizzlies’ 14 games this season. He and Jaren Jackson Jr. have been the frontcourt in Memphis with Zach Edey sidelined due to injury.
So far this year, Landale has averaged 10.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 54.4% from the field and a career-high 45.7% from beyond the arc on 2.5 three-point attempts per game.
Memphis has been toward the bottom of the West this year, so Landale’s play hasn’t been a real topic of conversation, but he’s been a real impact guy for the Grizzlies.
He’s holding opponents to 2.9% worse at the rim this year while also helping out on the offensive glass, improving the Grizzlies’ oREB% by 2.3% when on the court.
Most of the advanced team stats aren’t kind to Landale, but a big part of that is the level of competition he’s been playing with. Playing with a guy like Luka Doncic (and Austin Reaves and LeBron James) would undoubtedly help.
Plus, Landale is only on a minimum contract this season, so even if he doesn’t end up panning out perfectly in LA, it would be worth it for the Lakers to take a swing, especially considering the Grizzlies may be sellers this season.
Throwing a second-round pick the Grizzlies’ way to take a chance on Landale, who is putting up great stats this season, would be an ideal low-risk trade for the Lakers to make. It could help elevate their bench in a big way.