Los Angeles Lakers “Still Highly Interested” In Adding A Specific Center Before The Deadline

Los Angeles Lakers "Still Highly Interested" In Adding A Specific Center Before The Deadline
Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The NBA Trade Deadline is quickly approaching on February 6th, and the Los Angeles Lakers are still very much involved in conversations around the league.

After making a deal for Dorian Finney-Smith at the end of the calendar year, many speculated if that was setting the Lakers up for an even bigger move.

The position that the team could use the most help at is at center. Anthony Davis has stated repeatedly that he prefers to play the 4 and the team would be better suited to have a true center play the 5.

Jarred Vanderbilt is expected to make his season return tonight against the Golden State Warriors, and he has the ability to play in the middle, but at 6’8″, he is also best suited as a forward.

One player that has been on the Lakers trade radar all season is Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic. Those rumors seemed to have cooled as of late, but according to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, that may not be the case.

Los Angeles Lakers “Still Highly Interested” in Nikola Vucevic

According to Siegel, “Late Thursday evening, league sources informed ClutchPoints that the Lakers are still highly interested in Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. In fact, it would not be crazy to call Vucevic one of Los Angeles’ top targets ahead of the trade deadline.”

The 6’10” veteran out of USC would be a welcomed addition back in Los Angeles, specifically for the Lakers. He is averaging a double-double this season, and his length paired with Anthony Davis and LeBron James would make for one of the best frontcourts in the entire NBA.

Siegel also noted that the Los Angeles Lakers remain interested in center Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards. And outside of Vucevic and Valanciunas, the Lakers could still pursue Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III.

Also Read: Latest Los Angeles Lakers Reporting Shares Update On Walker Kessler Trade Talks

In almost every trade scenario, the names from the Lakers side would most likely include Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jalen Hood-Schifino, according to Siegel.

The Lakers are currently 5th in the Western Conference. If they can add one of the three big men listed above before the trade deadline, their chances of a title run dramatically go up.