3 backup center replacements for Lakers after Deandre Ayton trade

Two days after the Lakers traded for Walker Kessler, they decided to trade away center Deandre Ayton to the Wizards.

This creates a little bit of cap space for the Lakers, and they have added a couple of second-round picks to have in their arsenal.

We knew Ayton wouldn't start if he stayed in Los Angeles after the Kessler trade, but the Lakers now need to go out and find their next backup center.

3 backup center replacements for Lakers after Deandre Ayton trade

ESPN's Shams Charania mentioned Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Kevon Looney as three free agent centers the team could target this offseason.

Even though it was a short stint, Drummond has played with the Lakers before, logging minutes in 21 games in the 2020-21 season.

MORE: Nikola Jokic will love latest LeBron James rumor

The 32-year-old has voiced that he won't take a pay cut and wants to play for what he's worth, so it may be tough for the Lakers to navigate around that.

Valanciunas has been rumored to make a move overseas, but a role with the Lakers as a backup big could be an enticing fit for both sides.

Kevon Looney could be the most affordable and realistic option here, and he'd add championship experience to a roster looking to get back into the NBA Finals.

These are just a few of the rumored target players for the Lakers, but there will certainly be others the team looks at as well.

More NBA articles:

• Thunder send message to teams interested in trading for Chet Holmgren
• Timberwolves have interest in four-time NBA champion
• Warriors have a Draymond Green dilemma if they sign LeBron James
• Lakers commitment to Walker Kessler could be costly for this key reason
• What Kawhi Leonard trade means for Raptors' plans with Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett and others
• LeBron James gets major retirement update after rumors of film crew following him next season