The Los Angeles Lakers have made a notable move by signing Alex Len to fill their need at the center position. However, this transaction has created a domino effect, leaving the team with some tough roster decisions. In particular, the Lakers had to waive injured big man Christian Wood to make room for Len, but it appears that Wood might not be the only player leaving the team. The Lakers could be considering waiving one more player as they seek to optimize their roster for the remainder of the season.
In this article, we’ll dive into the Lakers‘ roster situation, the impact of the addition of Alex Len, and which player could be the next one to go. We’ll also explore potential options for the Lakers as they look to improve their depth, especially at the center position, and what this all means for the team’s upcoming plans.
Lakers’ Roster Decisions: The Addition of Alex Len
The Lakers were in need of a reliable center to bolster their lineup, and Alex Len’s signing has addressed this need. Len, a 7-footer, is considered a more solid third-string option for the team, bringing veteran experience to the frontcourt. However, it’s important to note that Len is not seen as a long-term solution. The Lakers’ roster now includes a mix of players with varying levels of reliability at the center position, and Len’s signing alone may not fully solve the Lakers’ struggles in the paint.
The team had to part ways with Christian Wood to free up a roster spot for Len, but it’s possible the Lakers aren’t done making moves. Despite Len’s arrival, the Lakers may still be looking to add another big man to their ranks, as Len’s role is not expected to be a game-changer for the team in terms of minutes or overall impact.
The Possibility of Adding Another Big Man
With Len coming on board, the Lakers’ next focus could be securing another big man to solidify their frontcourt. Some names being floated as potential targets include Kelly Olynyk, Larry Nance Jr., and Chris Boucher. Each of these players brings different strengths to the table, whether it’s Olynyk’s versatile offensive game, Nance Jr.’s energy and rebounding, or Boucher’s shot-blocking ability.
To facilitate another acquisition, however, the Lakers will need to waive another player, as NBA teams are limited to making two waivers during this part of the season. This adds another layer of complexity to the Lakers’ decision-making process, as they evaluate which player is expendable and how they can best round out their roster heading into the final stretch of the season.
Who Might the Lakers Waive Next?
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, two players appear to be at risk of being waived by the Lakers: Cam Reddish and Shake Milton. Both players have struggled to find consistent minutes in the Lakers’ rotation, and their non-guaranteed contracts make them more vulnerable to being cut.
Cam Reddish: The Risk of Being Waived
Reddish, the former first-round pick of the Atlanta Hawks, has shown flashes of potential during his NBA career, but he has yet to establish himself as a reliable contributor. This season, Reddish is averaging 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game, which is far from ideal for a team hoping to make a deep playoff push. His lack of consistency and limited role on the Lakers‘ roster make him a potential candidate for a waiver.
Buha suggests that the Lakers might be leaning toward waiving Reddish over Shake Milton, giving him a slightly higher chance of being cut. Reddish has struggled to earn regular playing time, and with the Lakers looking to improve their depth, the team could opt to part ways with him in favor of making room for a more impactful player.
Shake Milton: A Potential Trade Piece
Shake Milton, on the other hand, has posted better overall numbers than Reddish this season, with averages of 6.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. While these numbers are solid, Milton has also been inconsistent in his contributions, and he hasn’t been able to carve out a permanent spot in the Lakers‘ rotation.
Despite his less-than-stellar play this season, Milton’s contract could make him an intriguing trade piece for the Lakers in the future. With two more years left on his contract, Milton’s deal could attract interest from other teams looking for a low-risk, high-reward player. The Lakers could potentially waive Milton now to make room for another acquisition and explore the possibility of trading him in the off-season when his contract becomes a more attractive asset.
The Lakers’ Financial and Roster Situation
The Lakers’ decision-making process regarding their roster moves is heavily influenced by their financial situation. The team has one of the highest payrolls in the NBA, and they are currently navigating the constraints that come with a heavy salary cap load. As a result, they are looking for ways to make their roster more balanced and flexible.
While they’ve added Alex Len to address their center depth, the Lakers are still searching for ways to improve their overall roster. Waiving a player like Reddish or Milton would help open up additional cap space, allowing the team to bring in another player who could make a bigger impact. The Lakers’ front office is surely keeping an eye on the market to see if any valuable opportunities present themselves before the off-season.
Kelly Olynyk, Larry Nance Jr., or Chris Boucher: Which Big Man Would Be the Best Fit?
Should the Lakers waive Reddish or Milton and open up a roster spot, they will likely target a big man to bolster their frontcourt. Kelly Olynyk, Larry Nance Jr., and Chris Boucher are all viable options for the Lakers to consider. Here’s a breakdown of each player’s potential fit with the team:
- Kelly Olynyk: Known for his floor-spacing ability, Olynyk could provide the Lakers with an offensive weapon who can stretch the floor and contribute as a secondary playmaker. His experience and versatility could make him a solid option for the Lakers, especially in small-ball lineups.
- Larry Nance Jr.: Nance brings high energy, strong defense, and solid rebounding, which are qualities the Lakers could use as they look to solidify their frontcourt. Nance’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute to the hustle plays would be an asset to a Lakers team aiming to compete at a high level.
- Chris Boucher: Boucher offers a shot-blocking presence and can contribute offensively with his shooting range. His defensive versatility and ability to space the floor would provide the Lakers with much-needed depth in their frontcourt.
Each of these players would bring unique attributes to the Lakers, and the team would likely evaluate which option best complements their existing roster.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
As the Lakers prepare to potentially waive another player, the next steps in their roster decisions will be crucial for shaping their playoff prospects. The addition of Alex Len has helped address their need for a big man, but with the team’s ongoing struggles to find consistent performance from its role players, the Lakers may need to make another move to solidify their depth.
The decision to waive Cam Reddish or Shake Milton will play a key role in the Lakers’ ability to make another roster improvement. Whether they decide to move in a different direction or stick with the current group, the Lakers’ front office will be working hard to ensure that they’re in the best position possible to make a deep playoff run.
In conclusion, the Lakers are at a crossroads, and their roster decisions in the coming days could have a significant impact on their success for the rest of the season.
