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Quick Bytes
- Austin Reaves believes the Lakers are close to championship contention with a few roster tweaks.
- Reaves suggests the Lakers need a physical center to alleviate the burden on Anthony Davis.
- The Lakers have shown interest in free agent center Jonas Valanciunas to strengthen their lineup.
Lakers’ Roster Optimism and Potential Additions
Following a challenging season, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make strategic roster improvements. Austin Reaves, in agreement with new head coach JJ Redick, feels the team is not far from competing for championships.
Reaves highlighted the need for a physical center to support Anthony Davis, especially against formidable opponents like Nikola Jokic. Despite Davis’s impressive performance, the strain of his dual role on offense and defense is unsustainable long-term. The Lakers’ current centers, Christian Wood and possibly Jaxson Hayes, lack the size for certain matchups, prompting the search for additional talent.
The Lakers’ interest in Jonas Valanciunas, a free agent previously with the New Orleans Pelicans, aligns with Reaves’s description of the ideal addition. Valanciunas’s potential acquisition could be a significant step towards addressing the Lakers’ roster needs and advancing their championship aspirations.
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