Lakers Bolster Frontcourt with Late Season Addition

The NBA Playoffs are over a month away as the second half recently kicked off. The Los Angeles Lakers are fighting to secure a playoff spot in an ultra-competitive Western Conference.

Los Angeles is dealing with some injuries in the frontcourt. Big man Christian Wood has been diagnosed with effusion in his left knee and will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks. Meanwhile, forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) hasn't been able to begin on-court activities as he suffered a right mid-foot sprain in February.

Rookie center Colin Castleton is also sidelined after he fractured his right wrist. The options behind Anthony Davis are bleak at the moment and the Lakers decided to make an addition to help fortify the frontcourt.

Lakers Add Harry Giles III

Per Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed on a two-way contract with forward Harry Giles III.

Giles III was one of the most highly regarded players in high school and was the No. 1 recruit in the 2015 class. He ended up going to Duke University and was the No. 20 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Giles III has had unfortunate luck with knee injuries throughout his playing career that have hindered his development. The North Carolina native made the Brooklyn Nets roster in training camp this season and suited up in 16 games for them. He averaged 3.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in five minutes of action per game.

The Lakers probably won't expect much from Giles III but he gives them another presence in the frontcourt as Wood and Vanderbilt rehab their way back onto the court.

LeBron James & Co. are currently underdogs (+106) to make the Western Conference playoffs. They need to go on a run in the final stretch of the season to have a chance to repeat their Conference Finals run from last year.

More Lakers news and rumors:

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.