Lakers News: Possible Free Agent Center Target Decides To Ditch NBA For International Gig
The center market keeps getting thinner and thinner as the Lakers look to add another big man to their roster. The team signed former New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes to a deal earlier in the offseason so he could backup Anthony Davis but other than those two, the frontcourt for LA isn’t super deep.
And now you can cross off another name on the open market as Willy Hernangómez has decided to skip staying in the NBA and head oversees to play for FC Barcelona. He signed a three-year contract with the Spanish team after spending seven seasons in the NBA. Hernangómez was the 35th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
He spent last season with the Pelicans and averaged 6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds. New Orleans decided to decline their team option for him, opening the path for him to head oversees.
Hernangómez wasn’t the best option available but could have been a serviceable player for the Lakers if they saw fit. He also had experience playing alongside Hayes during their time in New Orleans, but the Lakers will need to elsewhere.
The team wants to try and recreate the scheme from 2020 when they had multiple big men on the roster that could switch in and out alongside Davis. They don’t need much from their centers as they are looking for them to just be lob threats and rim protectors.
Once LA does sign a center, their roster will likely be complete for now. They want to keep one open spot for added flexibility and it also gives them a chance to possibly sign someone that becomes available down the line that they never thought possible.
General Manager Rob Pelinka has put together a strong roster so he has earned the benefit of the doubt. LA will be looking to get back to the Western Conference Finals this season and this time, change the narrative.
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