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Lakers reportedly sign ex-Grizzlies 7-footer to fix glaring weakness Walker Kessler can't help
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- Lakers reportedly sign ex-Grizzlies 7-footer to fix glaring weakness Walker Kessler can't help
Lakers reportedly sign ex-Grizzlies 7-footer to fix glaring weakness Walker Kessler can't help originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Los Angeles Lakers made an aggressive move to acquire Walker Kessler once the free agency cycle officially began. LA may have overpaid for the center, but the team had to address a major need.
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However, the Lakers didn't do much to add reliable options behind Kessler when he comes off the court. Lakers insider Anthony F. Irwin identified the backup center position as a concern before the season started.
"JJ may not be worried about Kessler's finger injury but man I am really really worried about the centers behind Kessler in the rotation," Irwin posted.
That concern has become evident through the first few games of the season, as rebounds and points have been hard to come by from the center position whenever Kessler takes a break. Opponents can exploit the weakness LA currently has, which is why the team signed seven-foot center Lawson Lovering on Wednesday.
"The Los Angeles Lakers and Lawson Lovering have agreed to a two-way deal, agent Drew Kelso of OneMotiveSports told hoopshype. The 7-foot center averaged 7.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in two games with the Memphis Grizzlies last season," HoopsHype's Michael Scotto wrote.
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While Lovering may not have much NBA experience, he is still getting an opportunity to contribute. That is the reality of how badly the Lakers need depth at the center position. Backup Kevon Looney hasn't been particularly effective, creating an opportunity for Lovering to earn playing time.
"With veteran newcomer Kevon Looney not exactly cutting it as the Lakers' backup center behind Walker Kessler, Los Angeles has been desperate to find some help, especially in the rebounding department. Lawson could prove to be a welcome addition off the bench," SI's Ryan Ward wrote.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out, as LA has yet to find a reliable solution to its backup center problem. If the Lakers cannot find a dependable big man, they risk overworking Kessler far too early in the season.
Opposing teams have often gone on runs when the Lakers are forced to play small, as rebounding becomes a major issue. LA hopes Lovering can provide enough support to give Kessler some much-needed rest throughout the season.
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