Lakers Rumors: LA Interested in Derrick Favors; 'A Nice Fit with LeBron James'
June 15, 2019
As the Los Angeles Lakers look to rebuild their roster this offseason, one player who has reportedly caught their eye is Derrick Favors.
Per The Athletic's Tony Jones, there are "rumblings of interest" in Favors from the Lakers because "his style of play would be a nice fit with LeBron James."
The first order of business for Favors will be learning where he stands with the Utah Jazz. His current contract includes $16 million for next season, but since it's not guaranteed, the team can waive him before July 7 without it counting against their salary cap.
Jones noted Favors would likely have to be released because the Jazz want to be active players in the trade and free-agent markets this summer.
The Lakers, along with the Boston Celtics, have been connected to Anthony Davis in trade talks with the New Orleans Pelicans, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Ramona Shelburne, Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst.
While Davis would be the biggest prize for Los Angeles this summer, Favors would have a big role for the team if a deal comes together. The 27-year-old averaged 18.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per 36 minutes in 76 games last season.
Rudy Gobert is Utah's primary center and one of the best defensive players in the NBA. His presence makes it difficult to maximize Favors' skills as a big man with solid shooting ability and finishing skills.
The Lakers need an upgrade at center after JaVale McGee and Tyson Chandler—both will be unrestricted free agents this summer—were inconsistent last season.