Lakers Reshape Roster with Strategic Moves

The Los Angeles Lakers are focusing on roster adjustments this offseason. Although retaining LeBron James was not their priority, securing Austin Reaves with a four-year maximum contract was a significant move. In addition, they made trades involving several big men.

Recently, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania announced that the Lakers traded multiple future draft picks to acquire Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. This move was strategic, as they plan to sign Kessler to a substantial four-year, $130 million contract to make him their starting center.

In another development, the Lakers traded their former starting center, Deandre Ayton, to the Washington Wizards. In return, they received guard Jaden Hardy and multiple draft picks. With Ayton’s departure, speculation increased regarding Kessler’s backup center.

Some undrafted rookies, like Syracuse’s William Kyle III and Saint Louis’s Robbie Avila, may join the rotation. However, the team is more likely to benefit from veteran experience in this role.

According to Charania, the Lakers are considering Andre Drummond, Kevon Looney, and Jonas Valanciunas as potential backup centers. Each brings solid stats and experience as reserve big men.

Jonas Valanciunas, 34, recently completed his 14th season, playing for the Denver Nuggets. He averaged 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game with a 58.2% field goal percentage.

Andre Drummond, after his 14th NBA season, played as a backup for the Philadelphia 76ers. In the past season, the 32-year-old secured 6.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, holding a 47.2% field goal percentage.

Kevon Looney, at 30, is the youngest of the trio. He averaged 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game with a 41.7% field goal percentage while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans last season. With the Golden State Warriors, he earned three NBA championships, offering championship experience the Lakers find valuable.

This championship experience is crucial for the Lakers. Looney’s experience could support the Lakers’ efforts to create a competitive core with Luka Doncic, Reaves, and Kessler, capable of challenging teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference. Integrating any of these three veteran big men as Kessler’s backup seems like a practical step toward strengthening a position that has challenged the Lakers in recent seasons.