The Los Angeles Lakers likely aren’t satisfied with their current frontcourt situation, but things could change once the 2024-25 campaign ends.
In free agency, Los Angeles could acquire an underrated Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center and provide much-needed assistance to Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len.
“Timberwolves star forward/center Naz Reid is expected to opt out of his final year of his contract and become a free agent,” The Wrightway Sports Network’s Daniel Alameda wrote last Monday.
“The Lakers are one of the biggest markets in the NBA, and while they’ve been in the spotlight since the Luka Doncic trade, they shouldn’t be expected just to sit back in this upcoming free agency and stand pat.”
“How the 2025 season finishes off will dictate this Naz Reid conversation a ton. The Lakers on one hand are looking to kickstart into the NBA Finals in their first season with Luka Doncic and JJ Redick, and they’re doing so without a center that truly deserves to be a starter.”
“Jaxson Hayes is currently the Lakers starting center with Alex Len coming off the bench, but neither of these guys should be trusted consistently in their roles. Hayes is an excellent energy booster off the bench that can be a perfect rim-runner in transition as well as an amazing lob threat for Doncic and James.”
Reid could start for Chris Finch and the Timberwolves, but the LSU product has been a reliable sixth man in Minnesota.
Reid, who secured the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award last season, is a versatile frontcourt asset who can bang down low, punish sagging defenders on the perimeter with his dependable long-range jumper, and attack undisciplined closeouts before slashing his way to the rim.
The fifth-year pro averages 14.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest with the Timberwolves this season, shooting 46.9% from the field and 39.4% from three-point land.
If the Lakers don’t believe that a Hayes and Len big-man duo will suffice next season, Reid would be a valuable free-agent option for the Lake Show, assuming Reid opts out of the final year of his contract.
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