7 Role players Lakers could target to complement LeBron James

Bigs

Goga Bitadze

The last position of need for the Lakers is a backup big. Christian Wood was viewed as a relatively big pickup back in the fall, but he has not been quite as consistent or reliable as Lakers fans might have hoped for. Add in the questions about his value as a locker room presence, and it is not hard to see LA going in a different direction this summer.

One low-cost option the Lakers could explore is Goga Bitadze. The backup big man is currently putting up 5.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in 18 minutes a night for the Orlando Magic. He may not stretch the floor as well as Wood, but he could bring a bit more consistency to the table.

Andre Drummond

When talking about big men that would fit well next to LeBron James, there are few options as cost-efficient as Andre Drummond. The 30-year old veteran center is playing on a two-year, $6.5 million deal in Chicago, and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Drummond is known for his rebounding prowess, but he is also an excellent pick-and-roll play finisher as well. He played with the Lakers for 21 games during the 2020-21 season and averaged a double double. Pursuing a reunion would be far from a bad idea.