2 Lakers Reportedly at Risk of Release After Failed Mark Williams Trade

Los Angeles Lakers fans thought their team's frontcourt situation was solved when Mark Williams was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets before the trade deadline. Unfortunately, Williams failed his physical evaluation which caused the trade to be called off, leaving the Lakers — once again — without a legitimate starting center.

The Lakers are at the roster limit, though, and must waive someone if they want to add another center before the playoffs. With that being said, one NBA analyst has a good idea of who general manager Rob Pelinka might consider buying out in the coming days.

Lakers Rumors: Christian Wood, Cam Reddish Listed as Top Buyout Candidates

On Monday, ESPN NFL insider Dave McMenamin reported that two veteran players are the Lakers' likeliest buyout candidates.

"(Christian) Wood or (Cam) Reddish would be the top candidates, team sources said, to create a roster vacancy to bring in another center," McMenamin wrote, adding that the vacated spot will help the Lakers sign any bought-out veterans who are "making less than $12.8 million with his previous team."

It won't surprise many Lakers fans that the pair of underperforming players are the team's top buyout candidates.

Reddish, 25, has been with the Lakers since joining the franchise via free agency in 2023. He was supposed to be one of the assets heading to the Hornets at the trade deadline, however, Williams' failed physical threw a wrench into those plans.

The former Duke Blue Devil has struggled offensively throughout the 2024-25 campaign, averaging only 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 43.0% from the field and 28.9% from the three-point line in 31 games. In other words, the Lakers won't miss Reddish's presence if he's bought out.

Meanwhile, Wood — who's also been in L.A. since 2023 — has yet to play a single game under JJ Redick due to a season-ending knee injury he suffered last March. Considering how the ex-UNLV rebounder only put up 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds with .466/.307/.702 splits in 50 appearances last season, it's safe to say the Lakers would likely be looking for another center even if he were healthy.

Whether it's Reddish, Wood, or someone else who's bought out, it'll be interesting to see who the Lakers will sign to fill the void. Whoever they sign could be the difference between an early playoff exit and another championship run.

Fortunately, oddsmakers are already projecting a promising outlook for Los Angeles. The Lakers are heading into the remainder of the regular season with the sixth-best 2024-25 NBA Finals odds (+1700) on DraftKings Sportsbook.

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