The Los Angeles Lakers have already found a long-term solution to their biggest offseason priority by acquiring Walker Kessler, but they aren’t done reshaping their roster. After trading away Deandre Ayton, they are looking to add a backup center according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, and are down to three options: Jonas Valanciunas, Kevon Looney, and Moussa Diabate.
But the question is how realistic each option is.
Jonas Valanciunas is arguably the biggest name on the list, but he may be the toughest to land. The center averaged 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 58.2% from the field for the Denver Nuggets last season.
He is in the final year of his three-year, $30.2 million deal, where he will make $10 million for next season. But only $2 million is guaranteed, and with the deadline fast approaching, the Nuggets are expected to waive him or trade him. And that has put several teams on notice, including the Lakers. He could also potentially return to Europe, as reports suggest Zalgiris Kaunas is closing in on a deal.
Adding him would give a solid backup option as he is a physical rebounder who can anchor the second unit and give Kessler much-needed rest. But landing him is not gonna be easy, and if he does get waived, there could be a bidding war.
Kevon Looney is the most practical target on this list. After the New Orleans Pelicans declined his $8 million team option, he became an unrestricted free agent. Last season, he played just 21 games due to injury, averaging 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds, shooting 41.7% from the field, but his impact goes far beyond stats.
He is a three-time champion with the Warriors and was one of the best offensive rebounders in the league at his peak, and can still put up big numbers in the right environment. And he would not command a significant contract. With the Lakers having little flexibility, Looney could be the realistic option for the Lakers.
Then there is Mousa Diabate. The 23-year-old had a strong season, averaging 7.9 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 63.1% from the field and 50.0% from three-point range. The Charlotte Hornets value him highly, and he has one year left on his deal, where he will make $2.6 million.
He is also eligible for a three-year, $51 million extension, and landing him won’t be easy. Following the Kessler trade, the Lakers no longer have a tradeable first-round pick through 2033. And any offer would have to be around a bunch of second-round picks. And that won’t be enough for the Hornets, and Diabate would be the least realistic option out of the three.
The Lakers have about $2 million left in cap space after their free agency splurge. There could be a few ways they can increase that. One way would be to salary dump Jarred Vanderbilt’s contract. And if they aren’t able to find a partner for that, they can waive and stretch his remaining contract. That would create $7.3 million in additional cap space, which would leave the Lakers with over $9 million in cap space.
As things stand, though, Looney appears to be the easiest signing, Valanciunas remains the most intriguing if Denver parts ways with him, and Diabate looks like the longest shot unless the Lakers somehow find a way to overcome their lack of trade assets.
