As the Lakers head into the offseason, the anticipation of landing some key free agents is high. However, after a month of free agency action, it seems that many players have chosen routes that do not lead to Los Angeles. The only major move so far has been the hiring of a new head coach, JJ Redick.
With the struggles of the Lakers over the past few seasons, one glaring need is a dominant big man to complement star player Anthony Davis at the power forward position. This lineup configuration was crucial in leading the Lakers to their championship in 2020. One potential candidate for this role is Robert Williams.
Rumors have been swirling around the Lakers’ interest in Williams, despite his injury concerns. The Lakers fans are eager to see some new additions to the roster and there is still hope that a big man could be on the horizon.
JJ Redick shared his thoughts on the current Lakers roster on Sirius XMNBA Radio, praising its balance but also suggesting an upgraded center to pair with Anthony Davis at the four position. He emphasized the importance of having a strong presence in the paint to help with rebounding and defensive efforts.
The center position is a critical element for many teams in the NBA, with players like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić showcasing their dominance in the league. The Lakers have struggled with rebounding in recent years, and adding a solid center alongside Anthony Davis could be the solution to this issue.
While Davis has primarily played as a center for the Lakers, the team has had to rely on other players like Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood when he is unavailable. While these players have shown potential, they do not possess the same physicality and imposing presence as the “big bruising center” that Redick envisions for the team.
As the offseason progresses, the Lakers will continue to search for the missing piece that could propel them back to championship contention. The quest for a formidable center like Robert Williams is just one part of the puzzle as the Lakers aim to build a strong and competitive roster for the upcoming season.