The Los Angeles Lakers are making waves this offseason, turning their attention to bolstering their frontcourt. After a playoff run that spotlighted some vulnerabilities, the Lakers are keen to add a big man to complement their title dreams, with Luka Doncic standing as the cornerstone of their aspirations.
Among the big names swirling around in trade talks, Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton and Dallas Mavericks' Daniel Gafford have caught the Lakers' attention. Yet, the strategists in Purple and Gold might be waiting for Gafford’s negotiations with the Mavericks to unravel before making any decisive moves.
Other seasoned players like Clint Capela and Brook Lopez have also entered the conversation, but insiders suggest that the Lakers are considering a fresh direction. According to Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report, they may be eyeing younger talents like Day’Ron Sharpe or Jericho Sims, given the scarce offerings in the center market this season.
Sharpe is a compelling prospect in his own right. Wrapping up his fourth year with the Nets, his progress has been nothing short of noteworthy.
With averages of 7.9 points and 6.6 rebounds, while shooting 52.1% from the field, he’s been a reliable force off the bench. Standing at 6'11", Sharpe’s physical prowess and knack for grabbing boards, especially on the offensive end, would add a much-needed dimension to the Lakers’ interior game.
Young and dynamic at 22, he brings vitality that would be pivotal throughout a grueling NBA season.
His ability to set hard screens and his agility in moving to the basket make him an ideal candidate to partner with Doncic. His lurking presence in the dunker’s spot could create dilemmas for opposing defenses and open up lob opportunities with ease. Despite being an unrestricted free agent, rumors suggest the Nets might look to lock him down, possibly forcing the Lakers into a sign-and-trade scenario.
Jericho Sims presents another intriguing option. While his recent season with the Milwaukee Bucks didn’t set boxes ticking—averaging just 1.8 points and 3.7 rebounds—his previous stint with the New York Knicks showcased glimpses of what he could bring to the table.
Sims could slot into a role the Lakers have been vocal about filling: an athletic big who can run the floor. At 6'10", his impressive vertical leap makes him a tantalizing lob option for Doncic's playmaking arsenal.
There's a Jaxson Hayes-like quality to Sims. While Hayes held the fort admirably, the Lakers are searching for someone who can match their ambitions as they enter another competitive season. With Hayes likely moving on in free agency, Sims can quite seamlessly fill that void.
It seems probable that the Bucks will part ways with Sims, opening the door for the Lakers to potentially scoop him up in free agency. However, if a sign-and-trade becomes a necessity, it may not involve too much outlay from the Lakers' end.
So, as the offseason unfolds, the Lakers’ pursuit of the right big man to back Doncic underscores a pivotal chapter in their championship chronicles. While the moves are still in the realm of "what-ifs," it’s clear that Los Angeles isn’t standing pat in its quest for another title run.
