The Los Angeles Lakers were dealt a serious blow on Thursday when it was discovered that likely starting center DeMarcus Cousins had suffered a likely torn ACL during a workout earlier this week.
While Cousins signed a 1-year, $3.5 million deal, the Lakers have one open roster spot left and may need to use it in order to bolster their center depth which currently consists of JaVale McGee and Anthony Davis, with the latter being on the record as someone who doesn’t like playing center.
So if the Lakers are going to have depth at center they are going to have to sign another one. Even though McGee is likely to start, there are some other options to help solidify the position still out there.
1. Joakim Noah
After a signing a big contract with the New York Knicks and essentially being forgotten for several seasons, Joakim Noah bounced back in a reserve role last season with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Noah played in only 42 games for Memphis and averaged 16 minutes per game but averaged 7 points and nearly 6 rebounds per game while shooting 52 percent from the field and a solid 72 percent from the free-throw line. He also averaged 2 assists per game and remains a skilled passer.
While he’s not the player he was in his MVP-finalist prime, nor is he a player you throw the ball to in the low post, he may be the best available option, And most importantly, the most option most willing to do the dirty work in order to set Davis and LeBron James free.
2. Dwight Howard
This is probably the most unlikely outcome but desperate times call for desperate measures and a return of Dwight Howard to the purple and gold isn’t impossible.
His one year in Los Angeles was famously one of the greatest disasters in NBA history, ultimately leading to him signing a contract with the Houston Rockets. Six years removed from that disaster, Howard is nowhere near the same force on both ends of the floor that he was then.
However, he has shown productivity in recent seasons. He averaged nearly a double-double in only eight games last season on an efficient 62% shooting before a series of lower back and gluteal injuries tanked his season. He was eventually traded to the Brooklyn Nets before eventually being released.
Concerns about Howard’s work-ethic and the way he interacts with teammates are as loud as ever, but perhaps teaming up with a leader like LeBron James and an elite big man in Anthony Davis could be what he needs to have one final stretch of relevant basketball in his Hall of Fame career.
3. Andrew Bogut
At this time last year, Bogut was out of the league. But after returning to his home country of Australia and winning their league’s MVP award, the Golden State Warriors brought Bogut back to their team for a run at the NBA Finals.
Bogut will turn 35 this season and he played limited minutes for the Warriors throughout the postseason. But as a solid screen-setter and passer, as well as a smart defender, he may bring enough utility to the Lakers that he could help.
4. Kenneth Faried
Faried didn’t begin his career as a center but with the NBA’s evolution into a more perimeter oriented league, he’s often forced to play there. Faried found success last season as a free-agent signing with the Houston Rockets in spot minutes.
In 25 games with the Rockets, Faried was highly productive averaging 13 points and eight rebounds per game. Faried would bring energy and rebounding to the Lakers, even if he’s not a traditional rim protector.
5. Marcin Gortat
Marcin Gortat was on the Los Angeles Clippers last year before eventually being released. Gortat was a borderline All-Star caliber center at his peak and at 35, he’s well past those days.
Gortat was waived by the Clippers last year after they acquired Ivica Zubac from the Lakers and didn’t catch on anywhere else after hitting the waiver wire. Gortat is definitely a reclamation project but it might be one worth trying if he can rediscover his form as an effective defender and finisher around the basket.
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