The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster for the 2023-24 season looks mostly set, and it is an impressive one, at least on paper.
D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves look to be the starters in the backcourt once again, backed up by Gabe Vincent and Max Christie, who has looked magnificent in summer league play. Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Taurean Prince and Cam Reddish will give LeBron James support at forward, and, of course, Anthony Davis can play the 4 and 5 spots.
But the center position is the one blemish. Jaxson Hayes was signed to provide depth, and while he can block shots, run the floor, throw down dunks and even rebound a little bit, he isn’t enough of an answer.
Even if Davis exclusively plays the 5 again this season, the Lakers will need one more serviceable center that can defend, rebound and ideally hit open 3-pointers to space the floor. Christian Wood has been rumored to be a candidate, but he is a weak defender.
With available free agents that are true centers limited to the bottom-of-the-barrel variety, perhaps L.A. should bring back Jay Huff and take a flyer on him.