The Los Angeles Lakers may have already added pieces to their 2014-15 NBA season roster, but they still have to address a big hole at the center position if they want to become a relevant team in a loaded Western Conference.
With the loss of Pau Gasol to free-agency (Chicago Bulls), the Lakers are suddenly a team with a thin frontline. Despite their acquisitions of Carlos Boozer, Ed Davis and re-signing of Jordan Hill, the ballclub doesn't have enough depth at the power forward and center spot.
Although Davis is fine pick to bolster their defense, the Lakers must get another big dude to serve as a backup or even produce quality minutes when needed. Four weeks into the free-agency period, and the Lakers surprisingly have remaining options to fill the void with solid players still available in the market.
Emeka Okafor
Former NBA Rookie of the Year and NCAA Champion Emeka Okafor should come first in the order because of his ability to protect the rim. Over the course of his NBA career, the former UConn standout averaged 1.7 blocks in his career. Moreover, he's also a solid rebounder (9.9 rebounds) and scorer at the low block (12.5 points).
Why the Lakers Should Get Him: Although he sat out the entire 2013-14 season after undergoing surgery to fix a bulging disc in his neck, Okafor seems to be a low-risk, high-reward pickup for any team. The Lakers can acquire him at a one-year rental, giving them another player who could contribute big in pursuit of another relevant contract.
Andray Blatche
Seeing Andray Blatche with no team at this point of the free-agency period should be a big surprise given his strong numbers last season. The 6-foot-10 Blatche averaged 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 22 minutes per game last season with the Brooklyn Nets. Though undersized for a center, he proves to be a force on the offensive end with his agility for his size and outside shooting.
Why the Lakers Should Get Him: The 27-year old Blatche may be a little liability on the defense, but he could give the Lakers another offensive weapon at the low-block. Blatche is also a solid finisher off a pick-and-roll play, giving Jeremy Lin and Steve Nash another toy to play with.
Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum is a problem on and off the court. His antics and questionable discipline to stay fit are red-flags for any basketball team. However, everybody should realize that Bynum was an All-Star talent few years ago. When healthy and motivated, Bynum is one of the game's most unstoppable big men with his repertoire of his offensive moves.
Why the Lakers Should Get Him: It's a pure gamble for the Lakers to try getting Bynum back. However, a gamble could also wind up as a great move. Like what the Pacers and the Cavs did, giving Bynum a partially-guaranteed deal could be the solution to make things work. With Kobe Bryant around, the mercurial center will have someone to make him realize his talent and full potential.
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