The Lakers are adding a center on a two-way contract
The Lakers are making a move to attempt to address their need for a serviceable backup center.
The Los Angeles Lakers are bolstering their roster with a two-way contract signing of 23-year-old center Lawson Lovering. The move comes as the team seeks a capable backup center to fill the void left by veteran Kevon Looney, who may no longer excel at the position due to age. Lovering, who stands at 7 feet tall, is projected to primarily serve as a backup center but could also see time at power forward, particularly on the defensive end.
To accommodate Lovering, the Lakers will release undrafted rookie forward AK Okereke, per Dan Woike of The Athletic. Lovering, who averaged 7.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in two games with the Memphis Grizzlies last season, was undrafted out of the University of Utah. During his senior year, he contributed 8.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
In the G League last season, Lovering excelled, recording 8.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. The Memphis Grizzlies briefly called him up for two games, where he contributed 14 points, 15 rebounds, three steals, and one block in 49 minutes. Lovering's addition presents an opportunity for the Lakers to develop a promising talent while addressing their immediate roster needs.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
