Latest intel has the Lakers zeroing in on the top remaining free agent
By Cal Durrett
After a strong start to free agency, it appears that the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t quite done improving their roster. Although most of the best free agents have either been scooped up or are out of the Lakers’ price range, there are a couple that they are reported to have an interest in.
The most intriguing, by far, is center Christian Wood, who last played with the Dallas Mavericks and appears unlikely to return there next season. Additionally, as free agency money has dried up, he appears unlikely to earn a big long-term deal.
Instead, he may be forced to sign a one-year veteran minimum contract in hopes of raising his value next summer. Another option could be Bismack Biyombo, who last played for the Phoenix Suns and is a respectable backup big man who can both defend and rebound.
Could the Lakers land either player?
If Wood sees the writing on the wall, then taking a one-year deal with a contender may make the most sense for him. Moreover, if that happens, the Lakers, along with the Miami Heat, and Phoenix Suns could be the best fit for him. While each contender could offer him significant playtime, the Lakers have more of a need in the frontcourt, even with Jarred Vanderbilt and Anthony Davis.
They could use a backup center, especially one as talented as Wood, who has established himself as one of the better offensive big men in the NBA. With only Jaxson Hayes currently at backup center, Los Angeles could certainly use him, particularly with Davis’ health always a question mark.
If the Lakers somehow strike out on Wood, Biyombo would be a decent backup plan even though he isn’t nearly the offensive player that Wood is. Still, with a reloaded roster, they could look to play smaller, allowing for more offense and minimizing the need for a big that can score, although that would be nice.
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Ultimately, the Lakers have already had a highly successful offseason. However, adding Wood could help them return to the Western Conference Finals next season.