In the free market, it seems that the Lakers' desire to acquire a backup center has become an open secret. However, the Lakers have had other ideas and are set to abandon traditional centers.
Currently, apart from Davis, the Lakers' other frontline players are unable to provide any assistance in critical moments. In the last two games, the Lakers lost due to rebounding issues, suffering two consecutive defeats.
After acquiring Finney-Smith, backup center Hayes was clearly benched in the game. Although he started after Davis was injured and absent, his role has been continuously weakened since then. As for Collocco, his playing time is completely gone.
In fact, when discussing the trade for Finney-Smith with the Nets, the Lakers wanted to package Sharp as well. According to Lakers beat reporter Anthony Irwin, league sources revealed that during the trade in which the Lakers acquired Finney-Smith, the Lakers inquired about the possibility of obtaining center Sharp but were told that this would require additional draft pick compensation. Therefore, the Lakers turned to Milton. However, it is expected that Pelinka will continue to communicate with the Nets regarding Sharp, so this situation is definitely worth paying attention to. Additionally, the situation with Nick Richards of the Charlotte Hornets is also noteworthy.
Deron Sharp averages 19.6 minutes per game this season, scoring 7.3 points, grabbing 6.1 rebounds, and dishing out 1.5 assists, with a shooting percentage of 44.8%, a three-point percentage of 15.0%, and a free throw percentage of 87.0%.
In fact, the Lakers have always been interested in the Wizards' starting center, Valanciunas. Big Valanciunas stands at 2.11 meters tall, is 32 years old, and has 14 years of NBA experience. This season, Valanciunas averages 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, plus 0.7 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 55.3%. Currently, the Wizards' record ranks at the bottom of the East, and the 32-year-old Valanciunas does not fit the rebuilding Wizards. In response, the Wizards have lowered their asking price for Valanciunas, but the Lakers are reluctant to part with their second-round pick.
According to Lakers beat reporter Anthony Irwin, league sources claim that the Wizards have made concessions on the asking price for Valanciunas, but the Lakers are still unwilling to trade Valanciunas with their current second-round pick.
Firstly, the Lakers are indeed stingy, not even willing to part with a second-round pick. Moreover, Lakers head coach Redick does not plan to use traditional centers, especially with the imminent return of Van der Bilt.
According to Lakers beat reporter Anthony Irwin, a source close to the team revealed that Redick recently seems to have no interest in any traditional centers other than Davis, so the team management is not keen on using trade assets to acquire a player who may not get much playing time.
Sources reveal that after Van der Bilt returns, he will serve as the team's backup center. According to official Lakers news: Lakers forward Jared Van der Bilt has made significant progress in his recovery process, and he has already begun full-court competitive activities. The team will continue to monitor his recovery process, and he will be reassessed in a week.
In previous reports, the Lakers have indeed gradually reduced their fondness for traditional centers, especially since Finney-Smith joined the Lakers. The Lakers now place great emphasis on court spacing, athleticism, and shooting ability, which these big centers cannot meet. Although Van der Bilt's return is imminent, he cannot change the Lakers. Van der Bilt is a defensive powerhouse, but he is only 2.03 meters tall and has a three-point shooting percentage of 29%, unable to create space on the court.
After Van der Bilt's return, the cards Redick often uses include: James, Davis, Rivers, Christie, Finney-Smith, Hachimura, Van der Bilt, Klinet, Vincent, etc. These nine players lack consistent and stable long-range shooting ability, so the Lakers' focus remains on inside scoring and penetration. Defensively, Finney-Smith and Van der Bilt are both only 2.03 meters tall, while Davis is 2.08 meters tall. When facing teams like the Nuggets and Rockets, the Lakers, without a big center, will still suffer inside. Without space, no prominent inside advantage, and no inside barrier, the Lakers' decision to abandon traditional centers may have sealed their defeat.