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? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal. WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.