As the 2024–25 NBA regular season approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly considering a trade for a center worth $60 million. Last season, the Lakers finished with a 47-35 record, earning the eighth seed in the Western Conference, but they lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs with a 4-1 series defeat. Following that exit, they parted ways with head coach Darvin Ham and hired rookie head coach JJ Redick. The Lakers retained star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis but did not sign any free agents over the summer. They did, however, select LeBron’s son Bronny James from USC and Dalton Knect from Tennessee in the draft.
The Lakers could use a center right now, even though they appear happy with their current roster. National sports broadcaster Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson devised a trading scheme to help the Lakers get one.
In return for Gabe Vincent, a 2025 second-round pick, and a “filler” like Jalen Hood-Schifino, he suggested that the Lakers acquire Mitchell Robinson. Right present, Jaxson Hayes (7’0″), Christian Wood (6’8″), and Anthony Davis (6’10”) are the three centers whom the Lakers are anticipated to start with. Even though Davis is their standout big man, they may use more depth behind him.
Despite his height, Hayes has struggled with consistency, averaging only 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds last season. In contrast, Wood, who is smaller, had slightly better averages of 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Mitchell Robinson, standing at 7 feet tall, would significantly enhance the team’s rebounding capabilities, having averaged 5.6 points and 8.5 rebounds with the Knicks last season.
The Lakers will begin their preseason on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, followed by six exhibition games before hosting the Timberwolves again on opening night.
