The Los Angeles Lakers must pivot to the buyout market after the organization’s blockbuster trade for Mark Williams fell through.
The Lakers may pursue a former Boston Celtics role player if he remains in the U.S.
“Daniel Theis is the best center available at the moment, but he’s only 6-foot-8 and not at all the lob threat (Luka) Doncic prefers,” CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn wrote Sunday.
The Oklahoma City Thunder waived Theis after trading for him on Feb. 5.
The Salzgitter, Germany native started the 2024-25 campaign with the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per contest on 47.3% field goal shooting in 38 games.
As a Celtic early in his career, Theis was a serviceable contributor for a Boston squad that reached the postseason twice during his first stint.
Still, the Celtics shipped Theis to the Chicago Bulls in a multi-team trade midway through the 2020-21 season.
The experienced veteran reunited with the Celtics in February of 2022, helping the franchise advance to the NBA finals before falling to the Golden State Warriors in six games.
While Theis isn’t a lethal three-point shooting big man who can stretch the floor, he could be impactful with the Lakers as a bruiser capable of setting forceful screens and making himself available to his perimeter-oriented teammates.
However, it’s been reported that the former German Cup winner will likely sign with AS Monaco, a French-based club competing in the EuroLeague and LNB Pro A.
“AS Monaco is close to signing big man Daniel Theis,” Eurohoops wrote on Sunday. “The German forward/center was being released by the Oklahoma City Thunder and is free to sign with any team after clearing waivers.”
If a deal between Theis and AS Monaco materializes, The Lakers will be forced to adjust their frontcourt search this season.
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