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I've been beating the drum on the Lakers' need for a jumpshooting center to pair with Randle for the last couple of weeks.

Should they go with the more offensive fit (a jumpshooting center), or a traditional shotblocking center (ie. Noah/Whiteside)?

Normally, I'm all about defense, but I think in this particular instance, I lean considerably toward a center who can shoot.

Just taking a pulse to see if I'm on an island with this.

Towns would have looked great next to Randle.

EArl wrote:Towns would have looked great next to Randle.

And great if Luke is brought in and runs the triangle or some sort of deviation of the triangle.

The one jump shooting big that comes to mind right off the bat is Al Horford. I think he is much better defensively than he is given credit for. While he might not be a monster on the boards, Randle's rebounding ability might be able to balance things out.

As boring as it sounds, Horford is a great fit.

Randle will improve his mid range over the summer. I think Bender and Noah can both play with Randle.

Al Horford is quickly passing his prime though. He doesnt have that many years left and compared to our group, you want someone who will peak with them.

My choices for jump shooting center in the off-season, in order:

1) Sam Perkins
2) Patrick Ewing
3) Andrew Bynum
4) Keith Vanhorn
5) Michael Doleac

Get the number one pick , then trade it for Cousins

Whiteside can step out and hit the midrange, surprisingly.

There is only one name in this offseason - Al Horford. Rest of them (Hassan, Bismack, Dwight, Noah) cant shoot.
But Al have INJ history. Horforf or Whiteside is difficult choice, but to be honest if any of these 2 will sign contract with Lakers this summer, we should celebrate.

ALL HAIL wrote:I've been beating the drum on the Lakers' need for a jumpshooting center to pair with Randle for the last couple of weeks.

Should they go with the more offensive fit (a jumpshooting center), or a traditional shotblocking center (ie. Noah/Whiteside)?

Normally, I'm all about defense, but I think in this particular instance, I lean considerably toward a center who can shoot.

Just taking a pulse to see if I'm on an island with this.

I''d say a shotblocking center. Probably be cheaper and more realistic to get a guy like Biyumbo.

King Latifah wrote:As boring as it sounds, Horford is a great fit.

Randle will improve his mid range over the summer. I think Bender and Noah can both play with Randle.

I couldn't see Horford with his injury history leave 30 million on the table to play with a rebuilding team. Bender would be great. I think Chicago will keep Noah.

Nab Serge Ibaka next summer.

Just play Nance there. Luke will go small a ton, no matter the personnel.

Slava wrote:Just play Nance there. Luke will go small a ton, no matter the personnel.

Russell Clarkson Ingram Randle Nance

Let's roll!

Ew... no. Obviously the days of a big lumbering oaf in the middle are essentially over, but at the end of the day, if you want to get anywhere in the playoffs, you need someone guarding the paint, plain and simple. And to be perfectly honest, I can't remember the last time a jump shooting center anchored any kind of high arcing team, unless you count Bosh playing C (and he could play D, and in the post).

People fawn over the idea, but there aren't many examples where it's been a real plus (ie/ where they didn't give up more than they helped).

just get Bismarck and call it a day.

Horford is the best fit tho.

I think priority no.1 should be Whiteside, but if we strike out on him Biyombo sounds like a wonderful pickup, especially cause he won't demand nearly as much money

Turns 24 in the summer, outstanding per min value in Toronto, has 8.0 rpg and 1.6 bpg in just over 20 mins a game (that's 13 rpg and 2.6 bpg per 36)....also has improved to a somewhat respectable 63% from the foul line, so he's not necessarily a liability that warrants
benching scenarios, for hacking purposes

With Russell/Clarkson(if he's resigned) + Randle and possibly Ingram (Not buying Durant type scenarios just yet)...we have plenty of offensive options and guys who will take shots, we don't need scorers at every spot ...we need guys who will be willing to do the dirty work and Biyombo is just that

As a rim protecting big, obviously Whiteside is the big prize here...but Biyombo is a helluva backup plan

Jakay wrote:Ew... no. Obviously the days of a big lumbering oaf in the middle are essentially over, but at the end of the day, if you want to get anywhere in the playoffs, you need someone guarding the paint, plain and simple. And to be perfectly honest, I can't remember the last time a jump shooting center anchored any kind of high arcing team, unless you count Bosh playing C (and he could play D, and in the post).

People fawn over the idea, but there aren't many examples where it's been a real plus (ie/ where they didn't give up more than they helped).

Bill Laimbeer for one.

I'd like to see us get Ezeli. Depending on how much he wants, I think he would be a great fit and provides everything you need in the modern NBA center. He has had his injury problems, but if he can finish the playoffs healthy I can see him being a viable target.

Ryan Kelly. Best option available.

I'd take a flier on Noah but the injury is pretty concerning.

Why would Atlanta not max out Horford. Why would he not return. He won't be available.

I doubt the Warriors let go of Ezeli. The Warriors would let Barnes walk (they're deep at the 2, 3, and 4), rather than 26 year old Ezeli, who will come much cheaper, and serves as insurance for any Bogut injury.

Ryan Kelly is obviously the wrong player for Byron Scott (is there a right player?), but he'll be good for Luke Walton. His rebounding improvement was tremendous, his shooting was horrendous (again, not surprising considering Scott's discouragement of threes and diminishing his role), but I think his shooting will definitely come around with more PT and a consistent role.

He's the best option we have, and he'll come dirt cheap (thanks, Byron)