Former Draft Bust Surfaces as Potential Lakers Free-Agent Signing
Los Angeles Lakers fans were shocked over the weekend when it was revealed that Mark Williams failed his physical, nullifying the trade deadline deal with the Charlotte Hornets. Without a starting-caliber center on their roster, the Lakers are left searching the free agent market to help address their frontcourt issues.
As the general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick debate which center would best fit the roster, one NBA analyst is listing a former draft bust as a potential target for the Lakers.
Lakers Rumors: Could Los Angeles Sign Frank Kaminsky?
On Monday, The Athletic's Jovan Buha and Sam Vecenie discussed potential centers who the Lakers could sign in the coming weeks. Several interesting names were thrown around, including former 2015 first-round pick Frank Kaminsky.
A failed physical torpedoed the Lakers' trade for Mark Williams, which could be a blessing long-term.
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) February 10, 2025
But it puts LA in a bind for this year's playoffs. What’s next for the team's big-man plans?@jovanbuha and @Sam_Vecenie react ⤵️https://t.co/6MdwxDlzga pic.twitter.com/gJGpBHvO8i
Kaminsky, 31, was drafted ninth overall by the Charlotte Hornets nearly a decade ago after an impressive career at Wisconsin. The Winfield, IL native racked up a plethora of accolades throughout his time with the Badgers, including when he was named the 2015 NABC Player of the Year.
Unfortunately, Kaminsky has struggled to find similar success in the NBA. Injuries and inconsistent play have limited him to 413 regular-season outings, in which he averaged 8.8 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 43.0% from the floor and 34.9% from deep while spending time with the Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets.
The 7-foot, 240-pound center spent a couple of years playing overseas before returning to North America as a member of the Toronto Raptors' G League affiliate for the 2024-25 campaign. Kaminsky played well with the 905 Raptors thus far, averaging 12.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and .497/.382/.800 shooting splits in 17 appearances.
Even though Kaminsky wouldn't make for the flashiest signing, he's a low-cost option who the Lakers must consider. Joining Redick's lineup could benefit the veteran big man, who would be fed world-class lob passes from elite playmakers LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
It'll be interesting to see if signing Kaminsky (or any other free-agent center) has a noticeable impact on Los Angeles' title aspirations. For now, the Lakers have sole possession of the sixth-best 2024-25 NBA Finals odds (+2200) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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