The Los Angeles Lakers have a real problem right now, and if they are serious about turning Luka Dončić’s incredible start to the 2026-27 season into a championship run, they cannot let this slide. Lakers insider Jovan Buha dropped a bombshell, stating that it is “clear they need a better functional backup center.” No joke, guys. He added, “It is not Kevon Looney. He has been pulled from the rotation. Does not seem like he’s going to play at all moving forward barring an injury.” Talk about a cold bench! If the Lakers agree,and pulling him from the rotation definitely suggests they do,then the search for an alternative is on, like, yesterday.
The Looney Problem and What It Means for Luka
Seriously, when you’ve got a superstar like Luka Dončić playing out of his mind to kick off the season, you can’t afford any weak links, especially in the rotation. Buha’s assessment on Looney is brutal, but direct. Looney is out. Done. This team needs a body that can actually contribute behind their starter. We’re talking about a squad with championship aspirations here, and a gaping hole at backup center is not just a little oversight, it’s a potential season-killer. They need to find someone who fits, someone who can make a difference, and they need to do it pronto.
Who Can Actually Step Up?
So, who’s out there that the Lakers could actually snag? They’re reportedly short on assets after the Walker Kessler addition, but there are a few logical, affordable trade candidates being thrown around.
First up, **Goga Bitadze** from the Orlando Magic. This dude seems like he could be a bit pricey for the Lakers’ asset situation, but here’s the kicker: the Magic are barely using him! He’s only seen double-digit minutes in half of his six games this season and has been benched completely twice. And it doesn’t even sound like it’s his fault, because his per-minute production is actually solid, even better than his career averages. This guy can make traditional big-man things happen, pulling down 10.6 rebounds, dishing out 2.9 assists, and blocking 2.5 shots per 36 minutes for his career. Plus, he’s a career 56 percent shooter from the field, hitting over 60 percent in each of the last three seasons. Whatever they hoped Looney would bring, Bitadze actually delivers.
Then there’s **Karlo Matković** with the New Orleans Pelicans. Instead of just finding another Kessler type, maybe the Lakers need something different. Matković is a 6’10” combo big who can actually splash it from deep, rocking a career 39.8 percent from three! Imagine the pick-and-pop possibilities with Luka, or just the floor spacing for their attacks. He’s also got enough bounce for some rim-running and averages 1.9 blocks per 36 minutes. The Pelicans are notoriously tough to trade with,Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones have been rumored forever,but a backup big who isn’t guaranteed nightly minutes feels like a totally different story.
A Second Look at a Familiar Face?
And finally, how about **Jericho Sims** from the Milwaukee Bucks? This name should ring a bell because the Lakers actually tried to get him *before* the season, but apparently, they balked at the Bucks’ asking price of two future second-round picks. So, what’s changed? Everything! It’s way tougher to demand a high price for a guy you aren’t even playing! Sims has sat out half of Milwaukee’s games this season and only got more than seven minutes of run once. The Bucks clearly don’t have him in their plans.
But the Lakers totally could. Sims has the length, bounce, and finishing ability to be an above-the-rim energizer. He might not be an elite rim protector, but his lob-finishing is automatic, hitting 74.2 percent of his career field goals. And with Luka Dončić making the most out of every player archetype he works with, giving Sims a second look could be exactly what this team needs to fix their backup center woes and keep that championship dream alive. The clock is ticking, and the Lakers can’t afford to waste Luka’s incredible start.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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