Report: Lakers Monitoring Interesting Roster Move
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The Los Angeles Lakers have made a few quality moves so far this offseason. As they look to build a contender around LeBron James and Luka Doncic, more work could be needed to make that goal become a reality.
Early on in the offseason, the Lakers signed both Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton. More recently, they brought in veteran guard Marcus Smart, who is still known as a good perimeter defense.
Could the team be looking to make another aggressive move? Perhaps they could look into adding another big man to the roster?
Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to the start of Game Four against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the First Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on...
Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to the start of Game Four against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the First Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on April 27, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. More
Photo byThat is what one new report has suggested that Los Angeles is monitoring.
Read more: Lakers' Luka Doncic Receives Strong Contract Advice From NBA Agent
According to a report from Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Lakers have been paying attention to the scenario involving Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic.
"This does leave a few interesting free agents still, not even including eventual buyout candidates like Chicago's Nikola Vucevic," Irwin wrote. "As they did with Smart, the Lakers are closely monitoring that situation."
Vucevic would be a very intriguing addition for Los Angeles if he is bought out by the Bulls. He would provide excellent depth behind Ayton and would bring both scoring and rebounding to the second unit.
During the 2024-25 NBA season in Chicago, Vucevic played in 73 games ande made 72 starts. He averaged 18.5 points per game to go along with 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists, while also shooting 53 percent from the floor and 40.2 percent from the three-point line.
His ability to stretch the floor from the center position would bring a valuable skill-set to the Lakers. Ayton is not a capable three-point shooter. Vucevic's presence would give JJ Redick more lineup options to match up with opponents.
Read more: Knicks Linked to 2 Intriguing NBA Free Agency Options
There is also a chance that Vucevic and Ayton could share the floor with each other at times, giving Los Angeles an elite rebounding lineup.
At 34 years old, Vucevic is nearing the end of his career. Having an opportunity to play for the Lakers alongside James and Doncic would have to be intriguing to him.
All of this will depend on whether or not the Bulls buy him out. That remains to be seen, but it's a situation worth keeping a close eye on and Los Angeles is clearly doing so.
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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