Lakers still seeking extra help at center after injury-marred season
lakers-still-seeking-extra-help-at-center-after-injury-marred-season
The Los Angeles Lakers are continuing to explore options to reinforce their frontcourt, according to team and league sources cited by The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
General manager Rob Pelinka has already overhauled last year’s center rotation. Starter Deandre Ayton was dealt to the Washington Wizards, while reserve Jaxson Hayes signed with the Utah Jazz after Los Angeles was unable to match his free-agency price. In response, the Lakers acquired Walker Kessler in a major summer trade and later reached a veteran-minimum agreement with Kevon Looney.
Although Kessler and Looney are regarded as superior rebounders and rim protectors compared with their predecessors, durability remains a concern. Kessler appeared in just five games last season while managing a lingering shoulder issue on a non-contending roster, and Looney was limited to 21 contests in his first injury-plagued campaign after years of steady availability with the Golden State Warriors. Their combined 26 games played have prompted Los Angeles to look for an additional big man before training camp.
The club has also signed forward-center Sandro Mamukelashvili, who is expected to log minutes at the five in smaller lineups. However, the front office is reportedly targeting a center with a different skill set to complement Kessler and Looney. Specific candidates have not yet surfaced.
Meanwhile, Kessler will suit up in a new number at Crypto.com Arena. The 7-footer, who wore 24 with the Utah Jazz, chose No. 14 because it was his jersey during the FIBA World Cup. “For me to see my name on a Lakers jersey is like a dream,” he said in a team video segment. “It’s surreal. I’m very grateful and very thankful to be here.”
Training camp is scheduled to ramp up next month, giving the Lakers a limited window to finalize their depth chart in the middle.
Source: Lakers Nation
