Lakers On The Verge: Analyzing Their Move For A Critical Big Man Upgrade

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic teams in the NBA, have been in a state of flux in recent years. With a team that is aging and lacks the depth it once had, the Lakers have been actively working to upgrade their roster. One position that they have been focusing on is the big man position. In this article, we'll dive into the Lakers' recent moves and analyze their strategy for upgrading their frontcourt.

The Lakers' current roster is a mixed bag, with some talented players but also some significant holes. They have Anthony Davis, one of the most dominant players in the league, but they lack a reliable big man to complement him. Injuries to players like Marcus Morris and JaVale McGee have also highlighted the need for a more stable presence in the paint. With the 2022 NBA draft and free agency season just around the corner, the Lakers are expected to make a significant move to address this need.

NBA Draft Prospects

The NBA draft is always a hot topic in the NBA, and this year is no exception. With several top-notch big men entering the draft, the Lakers will have a variety of options to choose from. Some of the top prospects include:

• Jonas Valanciunas: The Lithuanian center has been one of the most dominant players in the Eastern Conference, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to the playoffs. He's a 6'11" big man with a strong post game and rebounding abilities.
• Ousmane Dieng: The French center has quickly become one of the most promising young players in the league. He's a 6'9" big man with a versatile skillset and a strong work ethic.
• Ziaire Williams: The American center has been a breakout star for the Houston Rockets, averaging over 10 points and 5 rebounds per game. He's a 6'10" big man with a strong all-around game.

Key Questions for the Lakers

Before the Lakers make their move, they need to answer some key questions. Here are a few things they need to consider:

• What is their salary cap situation? The Lakers have a significant amount of cap space available, but they'll need to be careful not to overpay their target player.
• What is their style of play? The Lakers are a team that values spacing and flexibility, so they may want to look for a big man who can play alongside their small-ball lineup.
• What is their vision for the future? The Lakers have a young core, but they'll need to make sure that their big man upgrade aligns with their long-term goals.

Free Agent Options

The Lakers are also expected to pursue free agent big men in the coming weeks. Some of the top options include:

• Rui Hachimura: The Italian forward has quickly become one of the most promising young players in the league. He's a 6'9" big man with a strong all-around game and a scoring punch.
• Wendell Carter Jr.: The American center has been a key contributor for the Toronto Raptors, averaging over 10 points and 6 rebounds per game. He's a 6'10" big man with a strong post game and rebounding abilities.
• Bogdan Bogdanovic: The Serbian guard has been a top producer for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging over 15 points and 4 rebounds per game. He's a 6'7" big man with a strong scoring punch and a solid defender.

Red Flags for the Lakers

While the Lakers have a significant amount of cap space available, there are also some red flags to consider. Here are a few things that could hold them back:

• Age: The Lakers' big men are aging, and it's unlikely that they'll be able to replicate the same level of production that they had in their prime.
• Injury risk: The Lakers' big men are also injury-prone, which could be a significant concern for the team's long-term health.
• Competition: The Lakers will face significant competition for the top big men in free agency, which could make it difficult for them to land their top target.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Lakers are in a critical phase of their rebuild, and their big man upgrade is a crucial part of that process. With the NBA draft and free agency season just around the corner, the Lakers will need to make a significant move to address their holes. Whether they opt for a top prospect in the draft or a veteran free agent, the Lakers will need to be careful not to overpay their target player or compromise their long-term goals. With the right move, the Lakers could be back on the verge of greatness.