The Los Angeles Lakers had one of the most dramatic trade deadlines in recent memory. Initially, they acquired Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to another team. With Davis gone, the Lakers quickly identified the need for a center. They filled that gap by giving up Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a pick swap in exchange for Hornets center Mark Williams.
However, the story took a surprising turn. “On Saturday, it was reported that the Williams deal was voided after the 23-year-old center failed to pass his physical.” The injury-prone big man reportedly raised too many concerns, leading the Lakers to back out of the deal.
Currently, the Lakers only have Jaxson Hayes as a healthy center, and another big man is crucial to help with regular-season minutes, rim protection, and as a pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
At this point in the season, the free-agent pool is limited, but here are four potential targets for the Lakers.
Daniel Theis
The 32-year-old center began the season with the New Orleans Pelicans before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the deadline, where he was waived soon after.
Theis may consider signing with a Euroleague team to finish his career in Europe, but if he joins the Lakers, he could still offer valuable contributions.
“Theis is not the rim-runner and finisher Doncic likes playing with, but he provides outside shooting and spacing.” He is considered a low-level three-and-D player with considerable postseason experience. For a short-term solution, the Lakers could do much worse than this competent veteran.
Mo Bamba
The lack of quality centers in the free-agent market is highlighted by the fact that Mo Bamba is likely the best available option.
Lakers fans will recognize Bamba, as he was acquired by LA at the 2023 trade deadline in exchange for Patrick Beverley. However, in the final stretch of the season, Bamba saw limited playing time, appearing in only nine regular-season and three postseason games.
Following the Lakers’ conference finals run, Bamba was waived in the summer of 2023. He then signed a one-year deal with the 76ers but struggled to earn a regular rotation spot. Afterward, he joined the Clippers before the 2024-25 season but was traded to the Utah Jazz last week. The Jazz waived him shortly after, making him a free agent once more.
Throughout his NBA career, Bamba has been more of a theoretical asset than an on-court contributor. “As a seven-footer with a soft touch and shooting ability, Bamba has the skillset of a modern big man.” He has connected on 35.7% of his three-pointers throughout his career, but his offensive game hasn’t expanded beyond shooting.
Bamba is also a capable rim protector, averaging 1.3 blocks per game in just 16.8 minutes per game. “His career average of 1.3 blocks per game in only 16.8 minutes of action is why he keeps getting chances in the NBA.” His main drawback is his lack of physicality, despite his size. At 26 years old, Bamba still has the potential for growth, and the Lakers could give him another shot, especially given their current need.
JaVale McGee
Another former Laker who could make his return to Los Angeles is JaVale McGee. After playing a crucial role in the Lakers’ 2020 title-winning team, McGee’s journey has seen him play for the Cavs, Nuggets, Suns, Mavericks, and Kings before signing a professional contract in Puerto Rico in January 2025.
While Dwight Howard is often discussed as a potential return option on social media and by fans, “What is a more likely and probably better option, however, is JaVale McGee.” He is younger and has been a productive NBA player more recently.
In his prime, McGee was an elite lob threat and would have been an ideal partner for Doncic. “He has already played with him in Dallas and played with LeBron in LA.” McGee brings a wealth of playoff experience, having won three NBA championships.
The main question surrounding his potential return is how close he is to his peak physical form. At 37 years old, “he likely doesn’t have the same level of athleticism anymore.” But, if he can still rebound, block shots, and finish lobs for 15 minutes per game, there could definitely be a role for him with the Lakers.
Robin Lopez
The 36-year-old center is considered a last resort for the Lakers. Lopez, who has been a free agent since the 2024 trade deadline after being traded from the Bucks to the Kings and subsequently waived, brings 16 years of NBA experience.
In his prime, Lopez was a solid two-way center. He excelled as a scorer near the basket with a strong post-up game and an impressive array of hook shots and creative finishes. He was also a reliable rim protector with his 7-foot-1 frame and elite wingspan.
However, “At this stage of his career, Lopez is not the player he used to be,” as he has played sparingly in his last three stops with Orlando, Cleveland, and Milwaukee. “He likely can’t play too many minutes, either.”
Despite his age and reduced role, Lopez still offers the size, length, and experience to contribute in regular-season minutes. “He can still be a deterrent around the basket defensively and provide offensive rebounding and finishing around the basket on the other end of the floor.”
Lopez may not be the most exciting option on the market, but “he can be an end-of-the-bench option for this depleted frontcourt.”
