The Los Angeles Lakers still need a backup big man behind Walker Kessler, and the free agent market is running thin.
With LeBron James departing this summer, the Lakers front office reshaped the roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks.
Walker Kessler will step in as the starting center after arriving from Utah in a sign-and-trade, but that move left the Lakers without a true backup big man.
Andre Drummond was among the first names linked to the Lakers as a potential backup, but the veteran signed a one-year deal with the New York Knicks instead.
With Drummond off the board, adding another center has become one of the team's most pressing needs heading into training camp.
Jonas Valanciunas
The best fit might not even be a free agent yet, as Valanciunas is still under contract with the Denver Nuggets, though the team has made him available in trade talks since the season ended.
The 34-year-old veteran averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 58.2 percent from the field in 65 games last season as Nikola Jokic's backup.
His ability to score in the post and stretch the floor a bit with an improved three-point shot would give the Lakers a different look behind Kessler, and his experience over 854 career starts means he could step right in if Kessler missed time.
Kevon Looney
Looney brings a championship pedigree that is hard to find on the open market after winning three titles during his decade with the Golden State Warriors.
His numbers last season with the New Orleans Pelicans were limited, as he averaged just 2.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in only 21 games, but Looney has never been about putting up stats.
He is the kind of player who sets screens, makes the right pass and defends multiple positions, which is exactly the type of role the Lakers need filled behind Kessler on a nightly basis.
Nick Richards
Richards is the youngest of the three at 28 and the most athletic option still available.
After being traded from Phoenix to Chicago at the deadline, he averaged 9.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks across 20 games with the Bulls while shooting 52.3 percent from the field.
The 6-foot-11 center out of Kentucky can protect the rim and finish around the basket, giving the Lakers a younger option who could grow alongside Kessler as part of the team's long-term plan.
The Best Fit
Of the three, Valanciunas stands out as the strongest option because he brings the most well-rounded game on both ends of the floor and has the experience to keep the Lakers competitive even when Kessler sits.
Looney would be the safest low-cost pick as a proven winner, while Richards offers the most upside going forward.
With the roster still taking shape around Doncic and Reaves, landing the right backup center could be the final move that ties it all together heading into next season.
