3 Centers the Lakers Can Sign from the NBA Buyout Market
As the Los Angeles Lakers look to strengthen their roster and make a deep playoff push, the NBA buyout market becomes a crucial opportunity to add key contributors without sacrificing future assets. One area of concern for the Lakers is their center position, where they’ve been searching for depth and a reliable contributor alongside Anthony Davis. With the buyout market potentially offering some valuable options, here are three centers the Lakers should target to boost their chances this season.
1. Bismack Biyombo – A Defensive Anchor and Rebounder
Bismack Biyombo is a seasoned NBA veteran who can provide the Lakers with an experienced defensive presence in the paint. Known for his shot-blocking ability and strong rebounding, Biyombo has consistently been a force on defense throughout his career. He’s also a high-energy player, willing to do the dirty work under the basket, whether it’s securing offensive rebounds or contesting shots.
For the Lakers, adding Biyombo would allow them to rest Anthony Davis at the center position while maintaining a formidable presence in the middle. The 6’8″ Biyombo might not be a high-scorer, but his defensive prowess, particularly against bigs in the paint, would give the Lakers a solid backup who can step in and make an impact when needed.
2. Mason Plumlee – A Skilled Playmaking Big
Mason Plumlee could be an interesting option for the Lakers due to his versatility as a big man with strong passing and playmaking skills. While he may not be known for his defense at the same level as some other centers, Plumlee’s ability to facilitate the offense, especially in pick-and-roll situations, could add a new dynamic to the Lakers’ attack. His basketball IQ and passing ability make him a perfect complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, allowing him to contribute without needing to dominate the ball.
Additionally, Plumlee is a solid rebounder and can hold his own in the post, making him a reliable presence alongside Davis. As a mobile big man who can cover ground quickly and run the floor, he offers a different kind of energy than some of the more traditional big men the Lakers have on their roster. A buyout from his current team could provide the Lakers with a valuable role player at a relatively low cost.
3. Willie Cauley-Stein – A High-Flying Athletic Big
Willie Cauley-Stein is a player who could bring both athleticism and shot-blocking to the Lakers’ center position. At 7-feet tall with an impressive wingspan, Cauley-Stein has the physical tools to excel as a rim protector and as a lob finisher. His athleticism allows him to be a threat around the basket, whether he’s cleaning up the glass or finishing alley-oops from LeBron or Russell Westbrook.
Cauley-Stein has shown in his career that he can be an impact player in limited minutes, especially on defense. If the Lakers need a backup center who can provide energy off the bench and add some defensive upside, Cauley-Stein could be a great option. His ability to switch on smaller players and defend in space would be valuable against fast-paced teams and high-scoring offenses in the West.
Conclusion
With the Lakers dealing with injuries and inconsistent play from their big men, adding a reliable center from the buyout market could be just the thing they need to enhance their championship aspirations. Bismack Biyombo, Mason Plumlee, and Willie Cauley-Stein all bring different strengths to the table, but all would help solidify the Lakers’ center rotation. If one of these players becomes available through the buyout market, the Lakers should seriously consider bringing them aboard to bolster their depth and defensive presence.
