Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the NBA world by pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks before the trade deadline. Despite the excitement and high expectations, the season came to a disappointing close with yet another first-round playoff exit. One key reason behind the early departure was the Lakers’ inability to secure a reliable veteran presence at the center position.
Throughout the season, the team’s need for a seasoned big man became increasingly apparent. Now, Lakers fans finally have a reason to be optimistic, as the franchise appears ready to fix that issue.
The Lakers are favorites to land Bam Adebayo in a potential trade, per @BovadaOfficial
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Lakers +190
Grizzlies +260
Spurs +300
Kings +375
Mavericks +475
Bulls +1000
Celtics +1600 pic.twitter.com/p8JiSgnGNl
According to BovadaOfficial, the Lakers are currently the favorites to land Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo in a potential trade. The betting odds place the Lakers at +190, ahead of other suitors like the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, and Dallas Mavericks. The Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics trail further behind in the race.
This renewed focus on adding a veteran center isn’t new. Before his trade, Anthony Davis himself called on the Lakers to bring in help at the five spot. The front office attempted to answer that call last season by targeting Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams. However, that move ultimately fell through when Williams failed his physical.
Walker Kessler Emerges As A Strong Backup Option For Lakers Amid Bam Adebayo Pursuit
A recent report indicates that the Utah Jazz are open to hearing all trade offers, including those for their promising young center, Walker Kessler. Though no deal is imminent, NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints offered insight into the situation, particularly in relation to the Lakers’ summer plans.
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“Walker Kessler remains high on the Lakers’ wish list as well, although league sources continue to downplay his actual availability in Utah,” Siegel wrote.
For now, the Lakers fans can expect the front office to stay active. Whether it’s the All-Star pedigree of Adebayo or the rising promise of Kessler, the Lakers appear determined to solve their center dilemma once and for all.
