The Los Angeles Lakers‘ top task this offseason will be to upgrade their center position, which has been a huge weakness for them ever since the Luka Doncic trade. Even prior to that trade, when Anthony Davis was almost exclusively playing at the 5, they were thin at that position.
There have been a number of big men who have been linked to Los Angeles. Some could be had via trade, while a few others have been expected to become free agents in a few weeks.
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But one player in the latter category is now off the board. Steven Adams of the Houston Rockets has reportedly signed a contract extension to remain with the Houston Rockets, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Adams’ numbers this season (3.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 13.7 minutes a game) look pedestrian. But had he hit free agency and accepted less money, he could’ve perhaps been a serviceable backup 5 for the Lakers.
The Rockets, who feature a young and energetic roster and finished second in the Western Conference this season, could be on the verge of bigger and better things. Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant is reportedly expected to be traded very soon, perhaps as soon as next week, and the Rockets are one team that reportedly has a real chance of landing the future Hall of Famer.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: One possible Lakers target in free agency is off the board