The Los Angeles Lakers made the right decision by paying up for Walker Kessler this summer, and that move showed its value on Wednesday night. However, the team still has a significant drop-off at center when Kevon Looney checks into the game.
LA still needs to add another center to the mix, and the Lakers have been searching for one for some time.
“The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic," The Athletic's Dan Woike reported. "They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity."
Just last week, Los Angeles tried to make a deal for another center by reaching out about Jericho Sims.
“League sources say that the Lakers and Bucks have held exploratory trade discussions on a framework that would ship former first-round selection Dalton Knecht to Milwaukee (along with second-round draft capital) in exchange for big man Jericho Sims," Jake Fischer wrote on the Stein Line."Yet it must be said that I've also heard some pessimism from sources briefed on those talks that such a trade will actually go through."
Bleacher Report's Dan Favale believes the Lakers should pursue a trade for Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington.
“PJ Washington comes close to meeting that criterion. He fits like a glove next to Walker Kessler at the 5 when his three-ball is falling, and though he's not a defender who turns the water off, he can be moved up and down the matchup ladder. Head coach JJ Redick can even use him for backup-center tick when Kessler is catching a breather,” Favale wrote.
Washington may not be the biggest big man in the league, but he brings plenty of athleticism and versatility to the frontcourt. He also reached the NBA Finals alongside Luka Doncic with the Mavericks, giving him experience playing alongside the Lakers star.
Washington is currently on an $88 million contract with Dallas. Adding the versatile forward would give Los Angeles another valuable frontcourt option and make an already athletic roster even more dynamic.
