Are the Lakers Already Priced Out of the Free Agent Center Market?

There was no real expectation that the Lakers could make a play for Houston center Steven Adams. The Rockets didn't want him to get away, and certainly wouldn't let it happen for the slightly-less-than-$6 million a year the LA can offer. But when Adams re-upped with the Rockets for $39 mil over three years, it's possible the Lakers hoped that number would be a little less. 

If Adams is worth $13 mil a year, how much will someone pay for Atlanta free agent Clint Capela? Brook Lopez (who is not even that good a fit, but is still a good player)? Orlando's Mo Wagner, who in theory could be put on the market by the Magic following Orlando's trade for Desmond Bane? (Note: There are signs the Magic are trying to find ways to keep him.) Given the lack of quality options, even a career backup like Luke Kornet might end up drawing a ton of attention. 

Does this mean the Lakers will have to focus on the trade market if they want to acquire a starting caliber five? 

Meanwhile, on Monday, we focused on the ways in which the Bane trade might impact the perception of Austin Reaves's value around the league. Could he fetch a similar package? If that's the case, is it worth listening to offers? 

And from LA's perspective, if a decision is made to trade Reaves—and to be clear, there's no indication such a decision has been made—are the Lakers better off using AR to get that center, or focus primarily on draft assets that could be used in future trades? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: How Steven Adams staying in Houston impacts the Lakers.

SEGMENT 2: How can the Lakers approach the center market? 

SEGMENT 3: What's the best way to use Reaves, if the Lakers decide to trade him? 

 

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