One of the themes for the Lakers in 2023 is inconsistency. Whether it’s being unable to close out games or struggling to find consistent opportunities for every player, this team hasn’t been able to get into a rhythm.
One of the positions significantly impacted by the inconsistency is the center spot. Anthony Davis has been excellent to start the 2023 season, but it’s become clear he can’t dominate in the paint by himself. Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes have split time as AD’s backup, trying to offer stability when he’s not on the floor. However, it’s evident the Lakers may need an upgrade there to boost their rotation. Two veteran bigs from the Eastern Conference could help with that.
Los Angeles Lakers: Two Trade Targets for Help at Center
Andre Drummond
A two-time All Star and four-time rebounding champ, 11-year veteran Andre Drummond is still going strong with the Chicago Bulls. In 34 games, Drummond is averaging seven points, eight rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.5 blocks on 54% shooting from the field. He showed out in his recent games. Drummond logged 24 points and 25 rebounds against the Hawks last Tuesday, and a 15-point, 23-rebound performance against the 76ers on Saturday.
Drummond, who last played for the Lakers in 2020-21, could offer them much-needed physicality and size in the paint. He’d resort to a backup role compared to the starting spot he once had next to Davis and LeBron James, but it shouldn’t be an issue this time around. Drummond’s presence at 6-foot-11 and 279 pounds would be key for a bench that scores 17.5 points in the paint per game but gives up 16.7. It’s also worth noting the Lakers are second in defensive rebounds per game (35.4), but 17th in overall boards (43.8).
A second stint with Andre Drummond would benefit both him and the Lakers. He’d be able to help this year’s team immensely, and his familiarity with James and Davis is an added bonus. The fact that he’s on an expiring $3 million salary could make him an easy get, possibly as part of a larger deal.
Jakob Poeltl
28-year-old Raptors center Jakob Poeltl has made a name for himself as a starting-caliber big in the NBA. But following the Raptors’ major trade with the Knicks, it wouldn’t be surprising if Poeltl is one of the next names on Toronto’s trade block. Across 32 games, Poeltl is averaging 10.4 points (on a career-high 70% FG), 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 blocks. He recently recorded a season-high 19 points (9/15 FG) in a Dec. 22 loss to the Sixers, and he has tallied five double-doubles this year.
Poeltl has established himself in recent years, and could help the Lakers by either backing up or starting alongside Anthony Davis. He’s capable of putting up monster performances, and he’s displayed impressive bursts of athleticism on fast breaks. Additionally, Poeltl has excelled in the pick-and-roll this season. He has generated 1.46 points per possession (3.2 PPG) on 77% shooting from the field—putting him in the 90th percentile. He’s also a solid defender, protecting the rim with a career average of 1.2 swats per game. Finally, though it’s limited, Poeltl has three years of playoff experience. In the 2019 postseason, he averaged 7.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists on nearly 64% shooting from the field. He’s proven he’s can contribute to winning basketball, and would be a tremendous addition to the Lakers.
Having Poeltl with—and particularly without—AD on the floor would be huge for LA. He’d be a harder target for them with his $19.5 million salary, but he should still be on the team’s radar if they want to solidify their backup options.
The Last Word
The Lakers’ recent play has shown several holes that need to be patched up. They could be one or a few trades away from making serious noise in the Western Conference again. Helping James and Davis by addressing the center role is key towards the Lakers’ growth. Drummond and Poeltl are two candidates Rob Pelinka should consider as the 2024 trade deadline approaches.
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