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Los Angeles Lakers: Two rumored center targets should be avoided

By Jason Reed

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 08: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the New York Knicks wipes sweat from his face while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 08, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 120-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 08: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the New York Knicks wipes sweat from his face while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 08, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 120-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to be pursuing two different centers in free agency this offseason, which would be a mistake by the front office.

The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most interesting offseasons ahead of them. After trading for Anthony Davis and paving the road to the NBA Finals, the Lakers have to use the remaining cap space to fill out a roster.

It was initially believed that the Lakers would have enough cap space to bring in a third max star. However, because of Davis’ trade kicker, the Lakers have less space than anticipated.

That has not stopped the team from shopping the likes of Moritz Wagner and Isaac Bonga just to create that extra space. And while a three-man superteam is fun, the Lakers are good enough with LeBron James, Davis and Kyle Kuzma as the top three and should be focusing on filling out a roster.

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With the max player option practically out the window, the Lakers have seemingly shifted gears to two new targets, both at the center position. Those two centers being former Clipper DeAndre Jordan and standout all-star Nikola Vucevic (h/t CBS Sports).

Neither guy is going to get a max deal this offseason but will get a fairly decent contract, which will leave the Lakers very little salary cap space to make other moves. That is not the lone reason why the Lakers should avoid these two, though, as the team would simply be better off going another route.

With Davis now in LA and the team retaining Kyle Kuzma, the last thing the front office needs to consider is adding a starting-caliber center. The Lakers already have a great outlook with LeBron at small forward, Kuzma at power forward and Davis at center in the starting lineup.

All three of those guys can shoot and LeBron goes back to his natural small forward position. Adding a center would just move Davis to the four, which he can play, and Kuzma to the bench.

And by doing that the Lakers look way less modern than a contending team should. They would be sacrificing shooting in Kuzma for someone like Jordan, who cannot shoot and is trending downward.

Vucevic can shoot and would be a good addition on paper, but again, the team would just be adding to an area that is already a strength instead of focusing on the weaknesses.

The Los Angeles Lakers would be much better off using the money that it would take for Jordan or Vucevic to instead sign a backcourt duo, such as Patrick Beverley and JJ Redick. All the team really needs at center is a veteran bench piece, which is the perfect role for JaVale McGee.

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McGee was great in Los Angeles last season and can provide that rebounding and shot-blocking presence off the bench when the Lakers want to run a big lineup. That is a much better option than spending most of the remaining cap on either Vucevic or Jordan.

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