Lakers survey veteran centers after Deandre Ayton trade
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The Los Angeles Lakers have shifted their focus to the free-agent market for a reserve center after sending Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards, league sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin.
According to the report, Los Angeles is evaluating Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Kevon Looney as potential backups to newly signed starter Walker Kessler, who arrived earlier this week in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz.
Familiar names top the list
Drummond, 32, logged a short stint with the Lakers in 2021 and most recently served as a key reserve for the Philadelphia 76ers, where he continued to dominate the glass and even expanded his range to the corner three.
Looney, a mainstay during the Golden State Warriors’ championship runs, saw limited minutes with the New Orleans Pelicans last season but remains regarded as a physical screener and elite offensive rebounder.
Valanciunas, 33, spent last year backing up Nikola Jokić in Denver and offers the most polished post game among the trio, though he is considered a lighter presence on defense.
Roster and cap implications
Moving Ayton not only created the vacancy behind Kessler but also provided additional salary-cap flexibility and draft assets the Lakers could use in future deals. The front office is still searching for another wing and must now settle on a dependable reserve big.
One option who will not be available is Jaxson Hayes; the former Laker target agreed to a two-year contract with Utah at the opening of free agency. If the remaining free agents do not fit, Los Angeles may explore trade scenarios to fill the position.
Source: Lakers Nation
