5 Lakers options at center (Mo Bamba!) after the Mark Williams trade fell through
The Los Angeles Lakers might need a stopgap at center after the team's deadline trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams fell through on Saturday because of a failed physical.
The Lakers won't be able to find a player of Williams' caliber in the buyout market or in free agency at large, but there are options for Los Angeles to help ease the burn of this trade not working.
These five centers could be viable stopgap options for the Lakers to help create offense for brand-new superstar guard Luka Dončić. They won't solve the issue in the long run, but they can help for now.
If Los Angeles wants to make a serious playoff push this spring, having one of these guys on the roster might be a smart play.
Mo Bamba
Bamba is the best available center right now in free agency, averaging 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds so far this season with the Los Angeles Clippers. He has played for the Lakers in the past, and he could fill a valuable role on the team's roster in the interim until Los Angeles can find a long-term solution. At the absolute worst, Bamba is a very solid center to have coming off the bench.
Daniel Theis
Theis has averaged 7.1 points and 4.7 rebounds this season, and he provides the kind of veteran experience that the Lakers could really lean on in the months to come. He last played for the New Orleans Pelicans and still has good basketball ahead of him. He's a sound stopgap option.
Taj Gibson
Gibson is in the twilight of his career, and he technically hasn't been bought out yet by the Charlotte Hornets. However, he's a probable buyout candidate and may become available soon. If he is, the Lakers will probably consider bringing him in for the rest of the season. He could absolutely help.
Robin Lopez
Lopez hasn't played in the NBA this season, but he's a proven veteran who could come off the bench and give the Lakers some reliable veteran depth at center. If he's game, would Los Angeles be interested in giving Lopez another run in the NBA?
Olivier Sarr
The elder Sarr brother is a free agent and could be healthy and ready to go after rupturing his Achilles tendon this past spring. He's absolutely more of a project than an instant contributor, but maybe the Lakers could make something out of him as he's only 25 years old.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 Lakers options at center (Mo Bamba!) after the Mark Williams trade fell through
