The Lakers' biggest need for this free agency is a center, and now the Californian team is now looking at multiple options armed with their mid-level exception. Three names are on their shortlist.
The Los Angeles Lakers' biggest need in the upcoming free agency is to find a big man who can sustain the team's defense.
After trading for Luka Doncic in the middle of the season, in fact, the Lakers remained without a true center available.
They tried to trade for Mark Williams of the Charlotte Hornets, but that move was vetoed after the player failed his physicals with the Lakers.
Now that free agency is about to begin, the Lakers can use their mid-level exception, worth around 14.1 million this season, to recruit a big man capable of pairing with the two teams' superstars, Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers' front office is currently looking at three names who could be suitable for their situation: Clint Capela, Brook Lopez, and DeAndre Ayton.
Ayton was a surprising addition to the list, given that until a few hours ago, he was still under contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, and his contract would have been impossible to trade for the Lakers.
But now that the Bahamian big man is a free agent, after reaching a buyout agreement with the Trail Blazers, his name could become an extremely attractive option for the Lakers.
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