Lakers’ Disappointing Exit: Pivots To Strengthen The Squad
The Los Angeles Lakers had a quick and disappointing end to their season, falling 4-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs’ west conference. Despite having stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the Lakers’ lack of a dominant center was evident, especially in their loss last Wednesday where Rudy Gobert scored 27 points and 24 rebounds for the Timberwolves.
Lakers’ Pivot Problems and Solutions
To improve their chances in the next NBA season, the Lakers need to address their pivot position. Here are some potential players they could target:
Naz Reid
Naz Reid, a 25-year-old center from Minnesota, won the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award in 2024. This season, he averaged 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game.
Reid has a player option worth around $15.4 million, which if not exercised, would make him an attractive free agent option for the Lakers.
Brook Lopez
Another potential addition is 37-year-old Brook Lopez, who played for the Lakers in the 2017-2018 season. Currently with the Milwaukee Bucks, he averaged 13 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.9 blocks this season.
Lopez’s familiarity with the Lakers’ system and his solid performance this season make him a tempting option.
Moritz Wagner
Orlando Magic’s Moritz Wagner, brother of Franz Wagner, is another possibility. Though he missed many games due to injury, he averaged 12.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks when active.
Wagner’s uncertainty regarding his future with the Magic could make him a likely target for the Lakers.
Other Options
Other centers the Lakers could consider include Hatch Cornelius from the Boston Celtics and Kevon Looney from the Golden State Warriors, both of whom have had strong performances this season.
“This kid [Luka Doncic] cannot defend or even a chair.” – NBA legend— Bolavip.com
Why These Pivots Matter
The Lakers’ early playoff exit highlighted the importance of a dominant center. Having a reliable pivot could strengthen their lineup and give them a better chance of competing for the NBA championship, especially with LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the team.
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