A new ESPN report suggests the Lakers are looking for more size.
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for another center to fill out their frontcourt, according to new ESPN insider Shams Charania. On NBA Today, Charania indicated the Lakers were looking for another big man to counter for a lack of depth and an injury to Christian Wood.
Sources tell me the Lakers have been exploring potentially adding a big man, a center to their roster, not sure exactly when that will happen.
While there are no signs that the Lakers are linked to the Trail Blazers, Portland currently has a multitude of big men, including Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III, Donovan Clingan and Duop Reath.
The Blazers will struggle to get all four of their big men on the court this season, especially given the arrival of this year’s seventh overall pick Clingan and the need to get him minutes. This depth could make Portland a natural trade partner with L.A. if the team is serious about adding size.
Williams, a seven-year NBA veteran with All-Defensive talent, could be of particular interest to the Lakers. However, he may need to prove he can stay on the floor before the Blazers or any negotiating party want to include him in a deal. Williams is currently out for at least the rest of preseason with a hamstring strain, after missing most of last season due to knee surgery.
Rumors linked the Blazers and Lakers earlier this offseason following reports L.A. was interested in forward Jerami Grant.
Talks reportedly reached an impasse when the Lakers refused to include their two tradable first-round picks in 2029 and 2031.