Lakers predicted to trade for $125M shooting center to back up Walker Kessler in monster deal

Lakers predicted to trade for $125M shooting center to back up Walker Kessler in monster deal originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a good start this season, and there may not be anyone hotter than Luka Dončić right now, as he continues to put up 40-point performances. However, there are still some holes to address on the roster.

The backup center position is one area that needs attention, as there is a significant drop-off behind the starter. LA has been monitoring the market for potential additions.

“The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic,” The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported. “They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity.”

Starting center Walker Kessler missed much of last season after suffering an early-season injury. With no reliable backup behind him, Lakers reporter Daniel Starkand believes the team risks wearing Kessler down over the course of the regular season.

“This isn’t an original thought, but the Lakers really need to find a capable backup center so they don’t run Walker into the ground in the regular season,” Starkand wrote.

A trade could eventually address that need, but the Lakers don’t appear to be overly aggressive in their pursuit just yet. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus believes Los Angeles should trade Cameron Carr, Adou Thiero, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy, a 2032 first-round pick swap and a 2033 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Naz Reid and Tidjane Salaün.

“The Los Angeles Lakers receive: Naz Reid, Tidjane Salaün. The Charlotte Hornets receive: Cameron Carr, Adou Thiero, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy, $23.3 million trade exception (Naz Reid), 2032 first-round pick swap, 2033 second-round pick,” Pincus wrote.

This deal would give the Lakers another versatile frontcourt option, as Reid could fill the center role when needed. He has good length and versatility, and he can also shoot the three-ball, which would help stretch opposing defenses.

Reid is currently on a $125 million contract with the Hornets. The power forward and center was traded to Charlotte during the summer as part of the LaMelo Ball deal. A move to a team like the Lakers could give him an opportunity to regain his confidence and swagger.

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