With the Lakers back in the market for a center after Mark Williams failed his physical, Jovan Buha highlights Daniel Theis, Mo Bamba, and Kelly Olynyk as potential options.
The Los Angeles Lakers are back on the hunt for a new center after Mark Williams failed his physical, leading to the cancellation of the trade with the Charlotte Hornets. However, the center market is currently sparse, as noted by Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Golden State Warriors
Indiana Pacers
Utah Jazz"It's just pretty underwhelming," Buha said in his latest podcast episode. "There's still going to be some guys that shake loose in terms of teams waving guys."
Buha provided three potential options for the Lakers in the current market. First up is Daniel Theis, an eight-year NBA veteran.
"Looking at the center free agent and buyout market, I think Daniel Theis is the best option," Buha said. "OKC waived him after acquiring him via trade. Still, he's a 6'8'' center. He's 32. I think he's fine as an option. He could be a bit of a lob threat, Luka can have some fun. Luka just likes lob threat big men, so in that sense, I think he could be fine.
"He is a bit of a mobile big," the reporter continued. "He's got some defensive versatility. I've always liked Theis' game. I just think the 28-year-old Theis was a noticeably better player than 32-year-old Daniel Theis. He's kind of like a fringe NBA player."
According to SDNA, Theis also attracts interest from the EuroLeague teams. AS Monaco and the German player are in advanced talks.
Another option is Mo Bamba, a 26-year-old big man who played for the Lakers during the 2022-23 season.
"The Clippers picked Drew Eubanks over Mo Bamba to show you where Mo Bamba is currently at," Buha noted. "Lakers already had Mo Bamba, and it was relatively disappointing. I don't think he's a rotation backup in a serious situation."
Bamba averaged 3.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in nine games with the Purple and Gold.
Kelly Olynyk could be another player under consideration. The 33-year-old Canadian is now with the New Orleans Pelicans after the Toronto Raptors traded him, Bruce Brown, and multiple draft picks to the Pelicans in exchange for Brandon Ingram.
"There's also been some speculation about Kelly Olynyk get bought out in New Orleans, and then maybe he becomes the option and gives the Lakers at least a stretch five, a decent rebounder, and not a good defender," Buha said.
"I think in a team scheme, he could be fine. He has some mobility, but not a rim protector, not a really physical guy that's gonna bang with guys in the post. That's always been my concern.
"I know a lot of people like Kelly Olynyk, but I think he's just a clear minus defender. In my opinion, the most valuable thing a big man can do is be a good defender unless you're like an all-world scorer."
Before the Lakers can bring in a new big man, they need to create a roster spot. Currently, the team has 15 players, meaning one will need to be waived.
According to Buha, Christian Wood, Cam Reddish, and Shake Milton are at risk of losing their spots on the Lakers.
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