The Los Angeles Lakers are linked to a trade for up-and-coming center Jericho Sims, who could address their biggest roster weakness.
Jericho Sims is a trade target
The Lakers have a roster surplus and need to trade one of Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or Bronny James before the season starts.
According to a new report from NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers are trying to shop Dalton Knecht, the former first-round pick, for a big man.
“The Lakers, meanwhile, have been engaged in trade talks to try to get their roster down from 16 to 15 standard contracts and perhaps even acquire some additional frontcourt help in the process,” Fischer wrote.
“League sources say that the Lakers and Bucks have held exploratory trade discussions on a framework that would ship former first-round selection Dalton Knecht to Milwaukee (along with second-round draft capital) in exchange for big man Jericho Sims. Yet it must be said that I’ve also heard some pessimism from sources briefed on those talks that such a trade will actually go through.”
Why the Lakers need a backup center
Sims would be a massive upgrade over Kevon Looney, both athletically and in terms of movement. Looney is a serviceable veteran who is slow-footed.
Looney sets good screens and is good on the short roll, but Sims offers serious athletic bounce and can play at a higher tempo.
For a guard like Luka Doncic, a lob threat is essential, and Sims is one of the league’s best dunkers.
He could start growing with Doncic by his side after failing to really break through in the league. Minutes for new starting center Walker Kessler, who needs a breather, remain a tricky proposition, but Sims could help quell concerns.
Still, there seem to be quite a few hurdles before getting a deal done.
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