Lakers Rumors: L.A. Monitoring Center Options Closely Ahead of NBA Draft, Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring their options to improve the center position this offseason.

Ian Begley of SNY.tv reported the Lakers have already visited with some of the top center prospects in the 2024 NBA draft and could look into signing a veteran in free agency.

The Lakers have played a rotating cast of centers in recent years. Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood played extended minutes this season alongside Anthony Davis, who has long preferred to play power forward.

Hayes has a player option for the 2024-25 season, while Wood is set for unrestricted free agency.

The Lakers' financial flexibility is minimal this offseason, so they'd likely be looking at veteran's minimum options in free agency. Names like Bismack Biyombo, DeAndre Jordan and Mason Plumlee could wind up available within the Lakers' price range.

Duke's Kyle Filipowski, Baylor's Yves Missi and Purdue's Zach Edey are among the centers who could be available with the No. 17 overall pick.

Edey, the back-to-back National Player of the Year, would be the most instantly translatable player among the realistic options. He's a ground-bound 7-footer who has a soft touch near the basket and can protect the rim defensively but might be an awkward fit next to Davis, who has typically wanted an athletic big in the middle who can rim run.