The Lakers needed frontcourt help. Everyone in their right mind knows that. And, yes, while they landed Deandre Ayton, a big-time move that should give them some real interior presence, that was not supposed to be the end of the conversation. Not after what happened against Minnesota. Not after Rudy Gobert made the paint look like his personal playground in the playoffs.
And yet, here we are. Another big man available for taking, gone. Another chance to add depth, passed up. According to Shams Charania, Jock Landale signed with the Memphis Grizzlies on a one-year, veteran minimum contract. That is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move. A move that the Lakers probably should have been all over.
Free agent center Jock Landale has agreed to a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell ESPN. Landale solidifies the Grizzlies frontcourt as the team and his agent, Sammy Wloszczowski of SIG Sports, reach terms.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 5, 2025
Landale is not a star, but he is one of those guys every good team needs
Landale is a smart, tough center who knows exactly who he is. He defends without needing help. He boxes out. He protects the rim well enough, moves his feet, and does not try to do too much. He is not flashy, but he is reliable.
With the Houston Rockets last season, he did not get a huge role playing behind Alperen Sengun. And if he did not get a big role last season he definitely was not going to get one this upcoming one with Sengun back, Steven Adams back, and Clint Capela added to the roster. Last season despite the lack of playing time however, still made the most of his minutes. He averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in under 12 minutes per game and played in 42 games. Not fantastic numbers but, solid numbers for someone buried on the depth chart.
Right now the Lakers only true back up big on the roster is Jaxson Hayes. While Hayes has tools, he has been inconsistent and struggles to stay on the floor due to foul trouble. Plus JJ Reddick’s relationship with him is complicated especially since last postseason he refused to put him on the court in game five against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Lakers could be eyeing someone else.
Sure, maybe they are still holding out for a bigger name like Al Horford. But that is not a guarantee. In a season where depth has to matter, passing on someone like Landale, a guy who would not have cost much and could have helped right away, feels like another missed chance by Rob Pelinka and the front office who seem to always be asleep at the wheel.