The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in adding another center, according to general manager Rob Pelinka, who spoke to NBA reporters at Summer League in Las Vegas on July 9.
The Lakers signed Jaxson Hayes — who played for the New Orleans Pelicans last season — in free agency this summer. The team needs another big man since Anthony Davis is prone to injuries.
Los Angeles got swept by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals. Pelinka re-signed D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura and signed Hayes, Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince in free agency. Many NBA insiders believe the purple and gold had a terrific offseason.
The Lakers are expected to start Russell, Reaves, Hachimura, Davis and LeBron James next season. James is expected to be back in 2023-24 despite telling reporters after the Nuggets series he might retire, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anthony Davis, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
“Though there has been no formal announcement yet, the Lakers continue to operate as if James will be back next season, despite him hinting at the possibility of retirement in a news conference following the Lakers’ season-ending Game 4 defeat to Denver in the West finals,” Buha wrote.
James averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists last season while shooting 50.0% from the field, 32.1% from beyond the arc and 76.8% from the free-throw line. The 19-time All-Star then put up 24.5 points, 9.9 boards and 6.5 assists per game in the 2023 playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Nuggets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anthony Davis, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LeBron turns 39 on December 30, 2023. He signed a two-year extension with the Lakers last summer. The NBA icon, who became the league’s all-time leading scorer last season, has a player option for the 2024-25 season.
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