Report: LA Lakers Have Two Free Agent Big Men On Their Radar

The Los Angeles Lakers recently added center Jaxson Hayes to back up Anthony Davis, but they are “actively” seeking another center to shore up their frontcourt.

With that in mind, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers have two free agents on their radar: Christian Wood and Bismack Biyombo.

The Lakers have unanimously been considered one of the winners of the offseason. And they aren’t done.

Christian Wood and Bismack Biyombo are in consideration for the 14th roster spot, sources tell @jovanbuha.https://t.co/ldPwFlTKXc pic.twitter.com/Qw7cSSbQVG

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 10, 2023

Over the weekend, we outlined the problems that Wood is facing on the free agent market, and how "there isn't an NBA front office out there that wants to pay him more than the minimum right now." That's despite his potential to go 20 and 10 on any given night, while shooting around 38% from three over the last four seasons. He is, however, defensively challenged. 

Biyombo presents the exact opposite skill-set, being an active rim-protector, a solid defender as well as screen-setter. But he has plenty of trouble putting the biscuit in the basket and provides absolutely no floor spacing. Sounds very much like what Hayes will be providing them. 

The Lakers, assuming they have their choice of the two big men, must decide which side of the ball they need to focus on more at this point. According to GM Rob Pelinka, it certainly sounds like they're leaning towards Wood:

“I think dimensionalizing the skills at that position would be important,” Pelinka said. “So we don’t want to sign someone who replicates the skills that Jaxson Hayes has. So if we can diversify the big position and have different looks, that would be good.”

Photo: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports