Like all times around the Association, the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing a long "to-do" list ahead of the NBA offseason. The Lakers' abysmal frontcourt depth was exposed during their opening-round series with the Minnesota Timberwolves, sending general manager Rob Pelinka on a quest to add reliable big men this summer, whether that's via free agency, the draft, or trade.
Although it's still too early to say who will certainly be pursued this summer, the Lakers just received some great news regarding a potential center target right before the offseason heats up.
Lakers Rumors: Timberwolves C/PF Naz Reid Expected to Decline Player Option
One frontcourt presence who'd be a solid addition to the Lakers' roster is Minnesota Timberwolves center/power forward Naz Reid. The former Louisiana State product must make a decision on his $15 million player option before free agency begins, and it sounds like he's leaning toward a fresh start.
"Reid has his own $15 million option that many around the league expect last season’s Sixth Man of the Year to decline," The Stein Line's Jake Fischer reported on Sunday.
Big man-needy teams, including the Lakers, are likely licking their chops at the possibility of adding Reid this offseason. The former LSU Tiger is coming off a solid 2024-25 performance that saw him average career-highs in points (14.2) and rebounds (6.0) in 80 outings (17 starts) with the Timberwolves, all while stretching the floor with 2.3 assists and 2.2 threes made on 37.9% shooting per game.
The Lakers' salary cap situation will make it impossible to sign Reid outright, especially if he's looking for a pay raise, but that doesn't mean he can't end up in L.A. Declining his player option opens the door for the Lakers to pull off a sign-and-trade with the Timberwolves. Names like Rui Hachimura ($18.2 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), and Jarred Vanderbilt ($11.5 million) can be used to help facilitate a deal, along with a future draft pick.
Although he isn't a traditional center, Reid's addition would easily be an upgrade over the likes of Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len. The Lakers need a big man who can step up at both ends of the floor, and it's hard not to like how just well the floor-stretching veteran would fit alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
With free agency beginning on July 6, Lakers fans will know if they should plan to buy a Reid jersey sooner rather than later.