Lakers Free Agent Target Could Stay With Current Team
By Jovan Alford
As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for the 2024 NBA Draft and free agency, one position that they should be looking to address is center. The Lakers' lack of quality depth at the position is concerning after Anthony Davis.
The Lakers currently have Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes on the roster. However, Hayes has a $2.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, which he hasn’t decided on.
That said, even if Hayes accepts the option, the Lakers need someone who can provide quality minutes off the bench and play next to Davis.
One potential option floated out there was Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney. The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami reported earlier this month that the Warriors were expected to let go of the veteran center to save money on their tax bill.
The idea of Looney wearing the purple and gold would greatly boost the Lakers’ frontcourt as he can compete on the glass and bring experience.
However, Los Angeles fans will likely have to set their sights on another big man, as the latest reporting from Golden State suggests Looney might be staying for now.
Lakers Rumors: Warriors Plan to Bring Back Kevon Looney
Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported Saturday that the Warriors are expected to guarantee the rest of Looney’s $8 million contract, keeping the veteran in their current plans. However, Slater also notes that the Warriors could use Looney’s salary to help facilitate an offseason trade.
Also within this: All signs point to the Warriors retaining Kevon Looney past his guarantee date on Monday, keeping him at $8 million for next season, per sources. Always possible he could be part of offseason trade, but outright release is unlikely. https://t.co/hlj9a7OHU4
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 22, 2024
Looney already had $3 million of his $8 million guaranteed. However, there were questions about whether the Warriors would keep him past Monday’s deadline (June 24). If Golden State released him, it would make Looney one of the top big men in free agency.
Nonetheless, the Lakers must pivot to the next best option on their free agency wish list. Andre Drummond should be high on the Lakers’ list, but he’ll receive interest from multiple suitors in free agency.
In addition to free agency, the Lakers could address the center spot in the NBA draft, as they have the No. 17 overall pick. Los Angeles has been projected to take Purdue’s Zach Edey in several mock drafts, which wouldn’t be a bad move.
However, with the Lakers looking to contend right away under new head coach JJ Redick, it feels inevitable that they will try to get a veteran to help their frontcourt issues.
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