The Los Angeles Lakers have a gaping hole on their roster right now, and it’s getting urgent: they desperately need a serviceable backup center. It looks like their immediate solution is a big gamble on a G-League prospect.
The Big Man Problem Is Getting Real
It’s tough to watch, but Kevon Looney, at just 30 years old, seems to be over the hill already. His game just isn’t what it used to be. And Sandro Mamukelashvili? He’s probably better off playing the power forward spot, especially when it comes to the defensive end of the court. The Lakers need a true rim protector and rebounder, and they need one now. So, what’s the move? They are reportedly bringing in Lawson Lovering, a towering seven-foot, 23-year-old center, on a two-way contract. To make room for him, they’re letting go of undrafted rookie forward AK Okereke, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic. This isn’t a splashy free agent signing, but it’s a clear signal they’re trying to solve this big man problem with whatever resources they have.
Who Is Lawson Lovering?
So, who exactly is this guy the Lakers are pinning their hopes on? Lovering went undrafted in 2025 out of the University of Utah, where he put up 8.4 points and 4.9 rebounds a game as a senior. He then spent last season making some noise with the Memphis Hustle in the G League. During their tip-off tournament, he averaged 5.7 points on 57.8% field-goal shooting, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 26.7 minutes per game. He stepped it up even more during the regular season, dropping 8.8 points on a super efficient 59.8% shooting, plus 7.7 boards and 1.5 blocks in 27.4 minutes per game. The Memphis Grizzlies even gave him a two-game look in the NBA last season. In those contests, he tallied 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, 15 rebounds, three steals, and one block in a total of 49 minutes on the floor. That’s some solid, albeit limited, production in NBA action, right?
At the very least, Lovering will be a prospect the Lakers can develop in the G League. Maybe he gets nothing more than sparse spot duty at the NBA level for now, but they clearly need to see what this kid can do when their backup center options are dwindling. This could be a sneaky good pickup for a team desperate for size and a defensive presence off the bench, even if it’s a long shot.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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