The Los Angeles Lakers missed their shot at adding Day’Ron Sharpe after he agreed to re-sign on a two-year $12 million contract with the Nets hours before free agency began. LA desperately needs a center, and the door appeared to be open when Sharpe did not receive a qualifying offer. Instead, the 23-year-old big man went back to Brooklyn on a bargain deal as the Lakers were left watching.
Sharpe averaged 7.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 18.9 minutes per game last season backing up Nicolas Claxton. The 6’11 big man is the type of young athletic center LA needs to pair with Luka. He has shown flashes on defense and could grow into a dynamic finisher playing off the best pick-and-roll creator in the world.
The Nets are clearly rebuilding and could give Sharpe more run in the 2025-26 season. The 6'11 big man has plenty of room to develop, which is exactly why the Lakers should have signed him to pair with Doncic.
Lakers whiff on Day’Ron Sharpe before free agency begins
Rob Pelinka has made it clear that the Lakers are all-in on adding a center. Doncic asked for a lob threat and rim protector the moment he arrived in LA. The Lakers agreed to a trade for Mark Williams before the deadline only for things to fall through because of a failed physical. The pressure is on Pelinka to make a splash and satisfy his newest superstar.
Deandre Ayton will be the name for Lakers fans after his stunning buyout, but that move would be a massive mistake. Ayton rarely impacts winning and his last two franchises couldn’t wait to get rid of him. Why would things be different in LA? The big man wants touches and post-ups. Those are not things the Lakers have room to give him.
Sharpe would have been the perfect under-the-radar signing. Most fans are not familiar with him as he plays a limited role for the Nets. The 23-year-old has shown flashes of guarding on the perimeter and attempted nearly one 3-pointer per game last season. He is growing his game and could turn into a difference-maker on a franchise willing to help him develop. The Lakers had the perfect opportunity to add a low-cost option, but it was a swing and a miss.
The Los Angeles Lakers will add a center and improve their roster around Luka Doncic. They want to win now and for years to come. Getting number 77 to agree to an extension is the most important thing. Expect the Lakers to keep him happy and to try to compete in 2026 before resetting next summer around their newest superstar.