Lakers predicted to trade Jaden Hardy to Clippers for $229M sniper, NBA Finals champion

The Los Angeles Lakers have a problem at the center position, even after acquiring exciting big man Walker Kessler at the start of free agency. Kessler has had issues staying healthy, and right now, the only other true center option on the roster is Kevon Looney.

The Lakers have made plenty of moves this summer, but there are still some areas of the roster that feel questionable. The center position, in particular, has already received a major warning.

“This signing was a gamble. Loon was a replacement-level player last season. The Lakers clearly believe he will be better, but they need another option. Going into the season with just two true centers is a problem. If Kessler is forced to miss time, the Lakers have serious issues on defense and at the five," Lake Show Life's Tyler Watts wrote.

For this reason, LA has continued looking for another center or big man of some sort on the trade market.

“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."

With the Lakers looking to add another big man, Heavy.com’s Adel Ahmad has proposed a trade that would send Jaden Hardy and a 2031 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Brook Lopez.

“Lakers receive: Brook Lopez. Clippers receive: Jaden Hardy and a 2031 second round pick (via WAS),” Ahmad wrote.

This would be a great deal for LA, as it would give the team another veteran big man while also allowing it to move on from a player it has already been willing to include in trade discussions.

Lopez is also one of the best shooting big men to ever play the game. His ability to stretch the floor would give the Lakers another dimension offensively while his experience could provide valuable depth behind Kessler and Looney.

Lopez has made $229 million throughout his NBA career and is nearing the latter stages of his career. For the Lakers, acquiring him could provide an opportunity to get meaningful production from a proven veteran while addressing one of the roster's biggest concerns.

Adding Lopez would satisfy several needs for the Lakers and give them another experienced option at center heading into the season.

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