Lakers predicted to trade for $5.2M six-foot-ten ex-Knicks lob threat to pair with Luka Doncic

Lakers predicted to trade for $5.2M six-foot-ten ex-Knicks lob threat to pair with Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Los Angeles Lakers entered the season with plenty of excitement after finally addressing a major need: finding a dominant big man to play alongside Luka Doncic. After a year of searching, LA brought in Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz on the first day of free agency. However, the Lakers didn't do much to improve their depth behind Kessler. Heading into the season, that was Lakers insider Anthony F. Irwin's biggest concern. “JJ may not be worried about Kessler's finger injury but man I am really really worried about the centers behind Kessler in the rotation," Irwin posted. Throughout the season, the center position has become a concern whenever Kessler is off the court. As a result, the Lakers have started monitoring the market for a potential backup center. “The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic," The Athletic's Dan Woike reported. "They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity." There is little doubt that the Lakers could use another big man sooner rather than later, especially with Kevon Looney struggling to provide consistent production. Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley believes LA should consider making a trade for Jericho Sims. “Sims has sat out half of Milwaukee's games so far, and he has only been given seven-plus minutes of run once. He clearly isn't part of the Bucks ' plans, but he could part of the Lakers', since he has the right blend of length, bounce and finishing to thrive as an above-the-rim energizer. Sims has never quite provided enough paint protection to be a true rim-runner, but he is automatic as a lob-finisher (career 74.2 field-goal percentage). Dončić makes more out of that archetype than anyone, so the Lakers could give Sims a second round of consideration,” Buckley wrote. This could be a worthwhile move for the Lakers, especially considering Sims likely wouldn't cost much given his limited role in Milwaukee. More importantly, he fits the type of center Doncic has thrived playing alongside throughout his career. Sims is currently on a $5.2 million contract with the Bucks. He is an explosive finisher around the rim, making him an intriguing fit alongside Doncic, who loves getting his big men involved in pick-and-roll situations. Sims could also provide more versatility than Looney as a rebounder and finisher around the basket. More MLB news: Thunder reportedly waive ex-76ers former first-rounder less than a week after signing him Warriors predicted to trade Draymond Green for ex-No. 1 pick, 2x All-Star to pair with Steph Curry Lakers predicted to trade for $125M shooting center to back up Walker Kessler in monster deal Thunder reportedly may waive former first-round pick after just signing him following Kings trade