Los Angeles Lakers: Three options to still bring in at center
By Jason Reed
1. Jahlil Okafor
I have been really high on Jahlil Okafor for quite some time despite Okafor failing to live up to the hype that surrounded him as he entered the league. Okafor is a restricted free agent this summer and has not yet found a home. The Brooklyn Nets seem uninterested in bringing in back or are just gauging the market.
Either way, the Los Angeles Lakers should take a flyer out on the former third overall pick and bring in him to split minutes with a veteran in JaVale McGee. McGee would probably still suit up as the starter to begin the season, however, Okafor could take a majority of the minutes and play his way into the starting five.
Even though Okafor is yet to live up to expectations he still is really talented and needs to find a system that best suits him. With two facilitators in Lonzo Ball and LeBron James, Okafor could live as a fast break starter and finisher and best utilize his athleticism.
Plus, it should be mentioned that Okafor has never played for a winning team. Okafor was on the Philadelphia 76ers before the fruit of the process began to bloom and was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, who have been mediocre all decade.
On the Lakers, Okafor could find a new drive and new life that may turn him into a very valuable commodity. While he may not play up to the standards of a third overall pick, he could turn into a decent contributor on the glass and down low for such a small risk.