One center option for Lakers is being prioritized by his current team
One center option for Lakers is being prioritized by his current team
It looks like the Los Angeles Lakers will do whatever they can to upgrade at the center position this offseason. It was a festering problem for them, especially after they traded away Anthony Davis in the deal that brought them Luka Doncic, and it was a big reason they lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.
One name that has been mentioned as a possible target for the Lakers is Steven Adams. The 31-year-old overcame a PCL injury that forced him to miss all of the 2023-24 season and averaged 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 13.7 minutes a game this season. While he may not be the answer to L.A.'s woes in the middle, he could be part of the solution.
Adams, who made $12.6 million this season, is about to become a free agent. The problem, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, is that the Houston Rockets are intent on keeping him.
Via The Athletic:
"As the Rockets brass continue to maneuver through offseason mode — conducting draft workouts, tying up loose ends with exit interviews and prepping for a pivotal summer — they'll need to address several key potential free agents on the roster," Iko wrote. "Veterans Steven Adams, Jeff Green and Jae'Sean Tate will be unrestricted free agents as of June 30 — but of the trio, Adams is seen as the clear priority, team sources told The Athletic.
"The 31-year-old's career revival this season — recovering from a right knee injury and becoming a critical part of Udoka's late-season rotation — is the reason hammering out his future is arguably Houston's top priority, those sources said."
However, Iko did allow for the possibility of Adams moving to another team.
"But because of his two-way production, particularly his elite offensive rebounding, the possibility of Adams being lured away by a playoff team exists. Adams, who earned $12.6 million last season, would be a natural fit for teams such as San Antonio, New York, Indiana and both Los Angeles organizations. But the Rockets are operating under the assumption Adams wants to return — and will continue to speak with his representation about a possible extension, team sources said."
Because of his injury history, there could always be a chance that Adams is available for the taxpayer mid-level exception of $5.7 million. At 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, he is a big load in the paint, and while he isn't a scoring threat, he could help Los Angeles on the boards and give it a serviceable positioner defender down low.
But, of course, if he wants to stay in Houston, L.A. will be out of luck as far as acquiring him.
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