4 Buyout Candidates Lakers Should Target After Mark Williams Trade Falls Through

2. Larry Nance Jr., Atlanta Hawks

Another potential option for the Lakers could be a familiar face. Larry Nance Jr. was the Lakers' first-round pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. After 2.5 seasons in Los Angeles, Nance was traded to the Cavaliers and played with LeBron James in his final year in Cleveland, helping them get to the NBA Finals.

Nance had a successful NBA career, albeit often injury-riddled. He has never played more than 67 games in a season, but when he is available, he makes a difference, especially on the defensive end.

As his career evolved and his athleticism subsided, Nance turned himself into a solid defensive big man. In his earlier days, Nance was more of a high-flying forward but over the last couple of years, he has been a decent switchable small-ball center.

At six-foot-eight, he doesn't have elite size for the position, but he plays bigger than his size. His strength and physicality allow him to guard traditional centers and be a solid option in the post.

Nance is 32 years old and is on an expiring contract with the Atlanta Hawks. Considering how the Hawks are rebuilding and will likely not keep Nance around past this season, they should be interested in buying him out and allowing him to sign with a contender. The Lakers should be the top landing spot in that case.