After the Lakers canceled the trade for Mark Williams due to his failed physical, they are now in search of a new center. Insider Jovan Buha discussed possible buyout and free-agent targets, mentioning Daniel Theis, Mo Bamba, and Kelly Olynyk as the top candidates.
“Looking at the center free-agent and buyout market, I think Daniel Theis is the best option. OKC waived him after acquiring him via trade. Still, he’s like a 6-8 center. Like, I think Daniel Theis from a few years ago would have—I would have really liked that player.”
“I think now that he’s into—I believe he’s in his early 30s now, if not like close to mid-30s—he’s 32.”
“But—but he’s—he’s 6-8, you know, and—and I—I just—I don’t know. I—I think, like, he’s fine as an option. He could be a bit of a lob threat. I think Luka can have some fun—like, Luka just likes lob threat big men. So, in that sense, I think he—he could be fine.”
“He is a bit of a mobile big, like he’s got some defensive versatility. I’ve always liked Theis’ game. I just think 28-year-old Theis was a—a sign—was a noticeably better player than 32-year-old Daniel Theis. Like, I think right now he’s—I mean, there’s a reason he’s kind of like a fringe NBA player.”
“Then it’s like Mo Bamba, who—like, the Clippers picked Drew Eubanks over Mo Bamba to show you where Mo Bamba is currently at. Like, I just don’t—Lakers already had Mo Bamba. It was relatively disappointing. I don’t think he’s like a rotation backup in—in a serious situation.”
“And then also, you know, there’s been some, uh, speculation as to like—could Kelly Olynyk, you know, uh, get bought out, uh, in New Orleans? And then maybe he becomes the option and gives the Lakers at least like a stretch five, uh, decent rebounder—not like a good rebounder and not a good defender.”
“I think in a team scheme, he could be fine, has some mobility, but not a rim protector—not really like a physical guy that’s going to bang with guys in the post.”
“So, I mean, that’s always been my concern. I know a lot of people like Kelly Olynyk, but I just think he’s a—a clear minus defender that, like, you know, in my opinion, the most valuable thing a big man can do is be a good defender—unless you’re like an all-world scorer.”
“And that’s—that’s why I think Jaxson Hayes falls into like a weird thing because he’s obviously been really good offensively. He’s been rebounding the ball better. He’s even been blocking some shots. But he’s not even a neutral defender, in my opinion.”
“And then, you know, looking at this market, it’s just pretty underwhelming. So, there’s still going to be some guys that shake loose in terms of teams waiving guys.”
1. Daniel Theis
Buha sees Daniel Theis as the best option available. The 32-year-old was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder after being traded from New Orleans. Though he’s no longer the player he was a few years ago, Theis still brings valuable traits like experience and some versatility. This season, he averaged 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 47.3% shooting. However, Buha acknowledged that the 32-year-old is more of a fringe NBA player now, and while he could be an upgrade over Jaxson Hayes, it would only be marginal.
2. Mo Bamba
Another candidate is Mo Bamba, who was waived by the Utah Jazz after being acquired from the Clippers. Bamba’s potential as a shot-blocker and his 7’0″ frame have been attractive, but his inconsistency has made him a journeyman. This season, he averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 46.6%. Buha noted that Bamba doesn’t appear to be the reliable rim protector the Lakers need, and given their previous decision to move on from him, he is unlikely to be considered a solution.
3. Kelly Olynyk
The most intriguing option is Kelly Olynyk, who was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Brandon Ingram deal. Speculation exists that he could be bought out, making him a potential target. Olynyk provides the Lakers with a stretch five who can shoot 44.2% from three, with averages of 7.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. However, Buha cautioned that while Olynyk can space the floor, he’s a defensive liability and lacks rim protection, which could be an issue against bigger teams in the Western Conference.
The Lakers also have internal options, such as Jaxson Hayes, who’s been effective offensively but remains a below-average defender, and Christian Wood, who hasn’t played yet this season. The team will continue monitoring the buyout market, but none of these options are as impactful as Mark Williams would have been.
For now, GM Rob Pelinka faces the challenge of deciding whether any of these three players are worth pursuing or if they should wait for a better opportunity.
