The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring the market for a center as they seek depth behind their current roster. Christian Wood, who underwent recent knee surgery, is sidelined indefinitely, pushing the Lakers to find a solution to bolster their frontcourt.
NBA insider Shams Charania confirmed the Lakers’ interest in adding a big man, though it remains unclear when a signing could occur. “The Lakers have been exploring potentially adding a big man, a center to their roster,” Charania said on ESPN. “Christian Wood remains sidelined with a knee issue, so they’re waiting for him to return.”
While the Lakers are still considering their options, no specific timeline for a signing has been revealed. In the interim, Jaxson Hayes has been stepping up in training camp, showing great promise. Charania noted Hayes’ contributions, saying, “Jaxson Hayes in the interim has really stepped up in training camp. He’s been a positive factor for the Lakers.” However, with the regular season rapidly approaching, the Lakers are keen to secure additional depth at the center position.
Another player the Lakers are monitoring is Christian Koloko, who was signed to a two-way contract before training camp. Koloko has been sidelined due to a blood clot issue, but the team is hopeful for his return. Charania provided insight into Koloko’s situation, saying, “Our Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin and I have heard internally the Lakers doctors have felt confident that he will be cleared by the league’s Fitness To Play Panel due to his blood clot issue. But that is still an ongoing process.”
Koloko’s potential return could have a significant impact on the Lakers’ rotation. However, as the team waits for league clearance, they continue to evaluate other options to shore up their frontcourt.
During the offseason, the Lakers had expressed interest in adding veteran center Jonas Valanciunas, who became a free agent after his time with the New Orleans Pelicans. However, the Lakers missed out on the Lithuanian center, who signed with the Washington Wizards. Valanciunas will be ineligible for a trade until the deadline, limiting the Lakers’ chances of acquiring him early in the season.
Currently, the Lakers’ center depth consists of Hayes, Koloko, and Wood (when healthy), along with two-way players Colin Castleton and Kylor Kelley. While Castleton and Kelley have shown potential, both are expected to spend the majority of the season in the G League. The Lakers are keeping an eye on the market for more experienced players to round out their roster.
Charania also highlighted the importance of Koloko’s potential role, saying, “He was expected to play a potential reserve role on this roster… That’s going to be a major factor to keep an eye on because this was a guy in Koloko, who was going to play a potential role down the stretch of this Lakers season.”
As the Lakers prepare for the 2024-25 season, their front office will continue to explore opportunities to add a reliable center to the lineup. While Wood is expected to return later in the season, the Lakers are aware of the importance of having additional options to maintain a strong presence in the paint, especially in the highly competitive Western Conference.