NBA Buyout Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could bag $33 million ex-Toronton Raptors star to bolster squad’s defensive end
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Why P.J. Tucker makes sense for the Lakers
Tucker’s potential role with the Los Angeles Lakers
P.J. Tucker could be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Los Angeles Lakers
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Lakers could add former Bucks champion as summer free agent signing to bolster frontcourt
Los Angeles Lakers
NATHANIEL HOLLOWAY
The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the trade deadline and they look as though they are going to be a championship contender once again.
Los Angeles has won six consecutive games and eight of their last 10 contests. They have jumped all the way up to second in the Wester Conference standings with a 38-21 record and look like a major threat to win another title this season.
Of course, the trade deadline addition of Luka Dončić has made the Lakers into a better team, especially with him and LeBron James playing at a high level. Despite this, the Lakers may still be a few moves away from being a title contender thanks to the top of the West being stacked with good teams.
One area the Lakers will need to upgrade in the offseason is their frontcourt. Of course, the Lakers had agreed to a trade with the Charlotte Hornets to acquire Mark Williams, but the trade was rescinded after he failed his physical.
That left Jaxson Hayes as the Lakers’ only center, but they could be active through free agency in the summer to upgrade their frontcourt depth.
One player the Lakers could look to sign in free agency is former Milwaukee Bucks champion Brook Lopez. Lopez will be an unrestricted free agent and it is likely that the Bucks will move on from him in the offseason.
Of course, Lopez is nearing the end of his career, but he would still be a great fit in Los Angeles, especially if they are able to sign him for cheap.
This season, the 36-year-old center is averaging 12.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the filed and 36.4% from three. Lopez is still a great rim protector and can provide the Lakers a solid amount of offense, especially with teams worried about stopping Dončić and James.
While Lopez would be a great addition for the Lakers, especially defensively, it all depends on how much money he wants and if Los Angeles can reach that number.
More NBA: Magic could steal Lakers’ top center target to boost title hopes via offseason signing
Nathaniel Holloway has covered the NBA since 2022. He graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications in 2024. Nathaniel covered the Spurs during his internship with TheGameHaus during the 2022 offseason and also covered all 30 teams during his time with GiveMeSport. He also co-hosts his own podcast 1/1 Sports & Cards.
United States [English]
NATHANIEL HOLLOWAY
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NBA Trade Rumor: Lakers Eye Game-Changing Forward to Bolster Roster
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UPDATED:Mar 05, 2025 08:18 IST
Despite roping in a generational talent like Luka Doncic in the recently culminated trade deadline, LA Lakers yearning to further strengthen the side hasn’t met with complacency. It is no secret that the Lakers are on the lookout for an individual who could take up the role of Center and form a deadly combination with Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Besides a forward, the franchise seeks to eradicate defensive frailties as well.
Also Read | NBA Trade Rumor: Lakers Target Jazz’s Star Forward to Build Unstoppable Trio with Luka Doncic and LeBron James
To tick both boxes, the Lakers have reached the door of Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker. The Lakers are looking to rope in Tucker through the buyout market. Tucker, who won the NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, is in the twilight stage of his career, yet could prove to be handy for the Lakers.
“One recent transaction from the Toronto Raptors could be what Los Angeles has been waiting for,” wrote Sports Illustrated’s Matt Levine. “The Raptors recently released veteran forward P.J. Tucker, and the Lakers could look into him on the buyout market.”
Tucker, who has been released by the Toronto Raptors recently hasn’t featured this season. Despite the dearth of minutes, he still carries the ability to contribute from the bench.
“While Tucker wouldn’t completely solve the Lakers center issue, he has played center in the past,” Levine noted. “The veteran isn’t the same player that he once was, but he could offer this group some decent minutes of rebounding and defense.”
While the Lakers hold an imperious attacking lineup, a further addition to an already stable side won’t do any harm. Thus, all eyes would be on Rob Pelinka. Will he splurge for P.J. Tucker? All to look forward to.
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