Luka Doncic has made his feelings crystal clear: he wants above-average center play. This isn’t just some casual request, folks, it’s a direct signal that has the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly still hunting for more big men, even after some truly intriguing moves they’ve already pulled off at the center position.
LA’s Center Shuffle: Is it Enough?
The Lakers went out and added Walker Kessler, which was definitely an interesting pickup for the five spot. They didn’t stop there either, making a play for Kevon Looney. And hey, Sandro Mamukelashvili is also in the mix, able to step in and play center when the team needs him. On paper, it seems like they’re pretty set at the position, right? You’ve got depth, you’ve got options. But apparently, for Luka, it’s not quite cutting it. The superstar’s demand for “above-average” play speaks volumes about what he truly expects from the guys down low.
The Search Continues Despite a Full Roster
Even with Kessler and Looney on board, and Mamukelashvili as a backup, the Lakers are not done. The Athletic just dropped a report, straight from team sources, confirming that LA is “still actively looking for a big man.” Dan Woike laid it out, saying, “The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic. They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too.” This is wild because Woike also pointed out a huge snag: “The roster is currently at full capacity.” So, if an injury were to hit Kessler, it’s a real scenario where Los Angeles wouldn’t be looking so hot at the five spot, and they know it.
This whole situation has me wondering which way the Lakers are gonna pivot next. With the roster at full capacity, their options might be limited. They could try to snag a cheap center on a veteran minimum deal, or maybe they’re gonna dive back into the trade market. The team could address the position “either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle.” It’s definitely a smart move to keep their options open and secure that position. What happens next could totally shake up their lineup, and honestly, the stakes feel pretty high with Luka making his wishes known like this.
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Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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