Even after what most people consider a very solid, if not a great, free agency period this summer, the Los Angeles Lakers remain in serious need of another serviceable big man.
As of now, they have Anthony Davis, who is dominant but injury-prone and arguably more suited to playing the 4 than the 5, and Jaxson Hayes, a young, athletic center who has upside but is somewhat limited.
Executive Rob Pelinka has reiterated the Lakers’ desire to add one more big man to their roster, especially since they have two roster spots open. Reportedly, they’re considering either Christian Wood or Bismack Biyombo for one of those spots.
Via The Athletic:
“Centers Christian Wood and Bismack Biyombo are in consideration for that 14th roster spot, according to team sources not authorized to speak publicly on the matter,” wrote Jovan Buha. “The Lakers had interest in Dario Saric before he signed with the Golden State Warriors earlier this week, those sources said. Pelinka clarified that Los Angeles is hoping to find a player that is different than Hayes from a skill-set perspective.”
While Hayes can block shots, run the floor and throw down thunderous dunks, Los Angeles could use a center that can physically match up with the Nikola Jokics and Joel Embiids of the league, as well as perhaps hit enough 3-pointers to open the court for Davis and LeBron James.
Wood could certainly do the latter, but he is considered a weak defensive player. Biyombo can set physical screens, rebound and block shots, but he lacks any outside shooting touch, and he is undersized for the 5 spot at 6-foot-8.
