Following the news that Mark Williams failed his physical with the Los Angeles Lakers—forcing him to return to the Charlotte Hornets—the NBA world was left stunned.
With this development, one of the Lakers’ most significant offseason trades fell apart, reigniting their need for a reliable lob threat. This also meant that Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish would have to return to Crypto.com Arena and move forward from this unusual situation.
To make matters worse, since the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline has passed, the Lakers can neither rework the deal nor trade for a new center to fill the void. Targets like Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, Robert Williams from the Portland Trail Blazers, and even potential buyout candidates like Ben Simmons are out of reach due to cap restrictions.
However, if the Lakers decide to pursue the buyout market, there are still intriguing options available, some with ties to LA.
1. Mo Bamba
Should the Lakers open a roster spot for a defensive-minded center who can catch lobs and occasionally hit a three-pointer, Mo Bamba stands out as the best available choice.
A former lottery pick from Texas, Bamba has moved around the NBA since his early years with the Orlando Magic. Notably, he played for the Lakers in 2023, teaming up with LeBron James and company for a brief 10-game stint. Though his impact was minimal, teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and LA Clippers still took chances on him before he ended up with the Utah Jazz, who later waived him.
Now, as a free agent, Bamba can sign with any team except the Clippers. If the Lakers bring him back, he could serve as a 20-minute-per-night reserve center and prove his value heading into 2025 NBA free agency. Since 2022, he has played 134 games (26 starts), averaging 5.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1 block, while shooting 48.3% from the field and 37% from three.
Given his prior desire to remain in Los Angeles, Bamba could see Williams’ failed trade as an opportunity to make a lasting impression in his return.
2. Daniel Theis
The Lakers need a big man who can finish alley-oops, protect the rim, and run the floor effectively. Ideally, this player would also complement Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
While Daniel Theis may not fit that mold perfectly, he still offers several qualities that have historically benefited James-led teams.
One of Theis’ biggest strengths is his ability to space the floor, having made 32.6% of his career three-point attempts. Though not at the level of Karl-Anthony Towns, his shooting forces defenders to respect his presence, preventing them from clogging the lane when Doncic and James drive.
Defensively, Theis holds a career .9 defensive box plus-minus, which was especially valuable during his time with the Boston Celtics, where he was considered a defensive asset. He has the versatility to guard power forwards and even some small forwards, making him a potential contributor in matchup-dependent playoff scenarios.
Overall, Theis fits the profile of a reliable veteran center that James-led teams tend to pursue around this time of the year, even if his fit with the current Lakers roster isn’t seamless.
3. PJ Tucker
If the Toronto Raptors waive PJ Tucker or agree to a buyout, the Lakers could sign the veteran forward. But the real question is—would they want to?
Like Theis, Tucker isn’t a rim runner or an explosive athlete who can make fans forget about Mark Williams. However, he does bring valuable skills to the table. Tucker can shoot threes (even if he hesitates at times), defend multiple positions, and has extensive playoff experience—a quality that few buyout candidates can match.
More importantly, Tucker is the kind of gritty, defensive-minded veteran who could provide value in a limited role. He has played for championship-contending teams and has averaged 4.3 rebounds per game over the past three seasons with the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and LA Clippers.
If the Lakers aim to bolster their postseason depth with a battle-tested forward who can knock down the occasional corner three and hold his own on defense, Tucker wouldn’t be a bad option—assuming he hits the buyout market.
Final Thoughts
With the Mark Williams trade officially off the table, the Los Angeles Lakers have limited options to reinforce their frontcourt. However, if they decide to make a move in the buyout market, Mo Bamba, Daniel Theis, and PJ Tucker stand out as three possible solutions.
Now, the Lakers must decide whether to stay the course or make one final push for reinforcements before the playoffs.
