The Lakers revealed that the team is interested in two centers! The three are the team s pillars, and Hachimura may become a trade chip

On May 24, with the deepening of the NBA offseason, many teams have now reported trading rumors, but as the team that fans pay the most attention to, the Lakers have been quiet recently, which is also surprising. After all, whether they can introduce suitable players will directly determine whether the Lakers can reach the championship next season. Although the Lakers were eliminated in the first round this season, they have met expectations. Without a big center, the team has won third in the Western Conference, and they seem to be one big center away from competing for the championship.

Today, the Lakers revealed the operation direction of the Lakers on a podcast program and also talked about the issue of the centers that the Lakers may introduce. He said: The two names I often hear are Clarkston and Gafford, which are considered the best centers that may be obtained in the market at present. For Gafford, the Mavericks already have Lefly and Anthony Davis, and he is about to face renewal. As for Clarkston, the Nets are now in an embarrassing situation, and they do not have top stars.

Team reporter Buha also said: I have heard about Lopez, Capela and Adams, who are the main candidates in the center market. If the Lakers did not trade Luca, my intuition would point to Gafford. In addition, according to reporter Richard, the Lakers are expected to restart Clarkston's trade negotiations. They have asked the Nets about Clarkston's trade on the trading deadline, and according to the Lakers, the Lakers have also asked the Hawks' Okonwu.

To be honest, it is unlikely that it will be possible to get Okonwu. Since the Lakers are interested in Clarkston and Gafford, the team can pursue them with all their might. Both of them are centers. Clarkston's frame protection is better than Gafford, and Gafford and Doncic have cooperated, and the two have a better understanding. Clarkston has a long-term contract, which is also a question that the Lakers need to consider. He still has a three-year contract of 68 million. Gafford is facing a contract renewal. He wants a contract renewal at the starting center price.

The Lakers definitely need to trade when they get it. As for who they are concerned about, many fans and famous speakers suggest trading Xiaoli, but the Lakers do not seem to have such an idea. According to team reporter Buha, although there are some rumors that the Lakers may trade Reeves, the team mainly cares about their core players in defensive end and future planning. Doncic, James and Reeves are the pillars of the team.

When talking about Xiaoli's trade, Buha added that I have seen suggestions for Xiaoli to exchange Adebayo or Jaren Jackson, which is unrealistic. Some people also suggest changing to Isaac or Bitaze, so Xiaoli's trading value will be underestimated. I think we should find a balance point among these two, which may be closer to Adebayo, but it does not fully reach this level. I have seen many trading quotes about Reeves, but in the end they are far below the range accepted by the Lakers. The threshold for trading Reeves is very high.

Buha believes that Hachimura may be the main bargaining chip for the Lakers' trade for center. He said: I think they need to consider whether they really change the starting lineup, and discuss whether Hachimura will be the sixth man in the future or be traded out. I think the current situation is that Hachimura may be a bigger deal. He is the key point for the Lakers in the offseason, because in terms of salary and trading value, the Lakers' four-man James, Doncic, Hachimura and Reeves' four-man are not good enough in defense.

Hachimura has a one-year contract of 18.26 million. Considering that he is an expiring contract, I think the Lakers will also get it as a bargaining chip. Hachimura is indeed a good offensive blue-collar worker, and he is also very hard-working as a center on the defensive end, but compared to other core players, he is indeed less helpful to the team. Even if Hachimura leaves the team, the team can renew the contract with Finney Smith and let him enter the starting position No. 4 position. The team wins a qualified center, and their defense will be improved by then.

In addition, regarding the issue of James' stay or not, team reporter Buha also revealed that he said: I think it is possible that James will leave in a probability manner. As we have reported many times in the news, not only me, but Amick has also reported that sometimes his relationship with the team is very cold. It is unlikely that he will still be enthusiastic after so many years together, but I think James will still be a member of the Lakers next season. The only question is whether he will choose to execute the player option, or whether he will jump out of the contract and re-sign the team.

No one knows what exactly will happen to James, and Paul Rich also talked about this issue when he was a guest on a show today. He said: I don’t know, I don’t know at all. I am currently focusing on the draft. He is dealing with a knee injury. He will tell what he wants at some time. I guess James will announce his decision at some point this summer, and he may be even more likely to stay in the team.

Having said that, what do you want to say about the Lakers? Welcome to leave a message for discussion.