With the Lakers still in need of 3-and-D wings, reports mention the center position as a second priority for the purple and gold. Despite the narrative that “no one wants to play for the Lakers,” one insider has run to the contrary, offering some hope ahead of the deadline.

Insider On Lakers’ Center Pursuits: ‘Big Men Will Do Backflips’
Tim MacMahon Talks Lakers

While appearing on Brian Windhorst’s Hoop Collective Podcast Monday, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon dove into the Lakers’ pursuit of big men with this encouraging sign:

“They have the fact they’re the Los Angeles Lakers and I can just tell you, big men will do back flips to be able to be in that Lakers uniform paired with Luka. I was talking to an agent who’s got a big man who may or may not be on the move and he would love to get his guy in L.A. Big men are going to want to play with Luka that much I can assure you.”

The Lakers hoped to surround Luka Doncic and LeBron James with adequate lob threats last season. After the botched Mark Williams trade at last year’s deadline, Jaxson Hayes served as a solid solution after his promotion to the first unit. And this summer, fans viewed Deandre Ayton as the answer to the team’s problem. But midway through this season, concerns have now emerged over his long-term future.

With the deadline just over a week away, the Lakers have been tied to Daniel Gafford, Robert Williams III and Nic Claxton (among others) at various points of the season. While they all offer decent levels of athleticism and rim protection, some hope LA can pursue a rival’s young big man via trade.

Underrated Target Lying in Wait

Years after their famed blockbuster, could the Lakers and Pelicans reconnect for a smaller deal?

He may not be Herb Jones or Trey Murphy, but the Pelicans continue to hang onto 21-year-old Yves Missi despite several teams—including the Lakers—reportedly expressing interest in him.

The purple and gold “held talks” for Missi last summer before eventually landing Ayton. And with Missi now experiencing a decreased role in New Orleans—and feeling “disrespected” because of it—now is the time to get him into a better situation. After averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks as a first-round rookie, Missi has averaged 5.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 19.1 minutes as a sophomore. He still stands out despite limited opportunities, dropping three double-doubles, including an impressive one last night.

In addition to his positives as a lob threat and paint protector, Missi’s strength on the glass would be crucial for the Lakers, who are in the bottom ten in rebounds per game (41.5, 26th) and offensive rebounds per game (10.1, 24th). And in his second year on a remarkably cheap contract ($3.3 million), he’s a relatively affordable option compared to other aforementioned targets, with the potential to truly develop amid a changing of the guard.

As the Lakers canvas the league for true solutions at the five, Missi is someone worth considering as the deadline nears.

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