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Quick Bytes
- Lakers coach JJ Redick acknowledges the need for a big center to support Anthony Davis.
- Efforts to sign a backup center like Jonas Valanciunas were unsuccessful, with him joining the Wizards.
- The Lakers are considering Wendell Carter Jr. from Orlando Magic to fill the center position.
Lakers Seek to Bolster Roster with a Strong Center
The Los Angeles Lakers, under the guidance of new head coach JJ Redick, are on the hunt for a robust backup center to alleviate the pressure on their star player, Anthony Davis. Redick has been vocal about the need for a physical presence in the paint to compete with the growing strength of Western Conference teams.
Despite previous attempts to secure a suitable big man, such as Jonas Valanciunas who opted for the Washington Wizards, the Lakers’ search continues. Redick emphasized the importance of this role in a recent interview on Sirius XM NBA Radio, citing the need for size to handle playoff matchups against teams like Denver, Minnesota, and Memphis.
The Lakers’ current options, Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood, lack the physicality required to contend with dominant centers like Nikola Jokic and the Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. As a result, the Lakers are actively exploring the market for trades and free agency to find the right fit.
One potential candidate is Wendell Carter Jr. from the Orlando Magic, who possesses the desired size and offensive skills. The Lakers are ‘monitoring’ his availability, although competition is fierce, with multiple teams interested in a trade for Carter.
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