Backup center options for the Lakers after trading Deandre Ayton
Lakers Nation • • sports
Key Points:
- The Los Angeles Lakers have traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards, creating a vacancy at the backup center position after acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.
- The Lakers are now targeting veteran backup centers in free agency, with Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, and Kevon Looney among the candidates being considered.
- Andre Drummond, familiar to the Lakers from a previous stint, showed he remains effective last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, adding a corner three-point shot to his skill set.
- Kevon Looney offers physicality and rebounding, while Jonas Valanciunas provides offensive skill but limited defense; the Lakers value these options as they continue to pursue roster improvements.
- With Jaxson Hayes signing with the Utah Jazz, the Lakers may explore trade options if free agency does not yield a suitable backup center, while also seeking to address a need for an additional wing player.
