Lakers target former 20-points-per-game star to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but there’s a catch

After last year's disappointing run in the Western Conference finals against the Nuggets where they lost 4-0, the Lakers are eyeing the Ring this season.

Lakers target former 20-points-per-game star to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but there’s a catch

Christian Wood might go to the Lakers (image via Getty images)

The Los Angeles Lakers are making some moves in the market as their general manager Rob Pelinka spoke to the media and cleared out the transfer rumors. “We’re actively in the market to add another big,” said Pelinka. They currently only have Anthony Davis and Jaxon Hayes as the center options. They are looking to expand by adding Christian Wood to their star-studded roster with Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

The interaction was recorded during the halftime of the summer league game against the Huston Hornets, which they won. Pelinka said “I think Jaxson, much like maybe Dwight Howard in that stretch for us: big body, rim protector, active roller. … But we are looking to add an additional center as well.” Both Christian Wood and Bismack Biyombo are being linked to the Lakers after Rob Pelinka revealed their intentions.

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The Lakers still have a gap to fill in their big man space and the GM is actively looking for options as stated in the video. According to Pelinka, they want to “diversify” and bring in newer skillsets to the team which do not fall under the same category as their current members Jaxon Hayes and Anthony Davis.

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The Lakers finished seventh in the conference last season, a dismal outcome for a team with such firepower. They would like to better their season stat of 43 wins and adding a center would be an important step towards the right.

Related: LeBron James and Anthony Davis to get HUGE HELP as Lakers target key player

The Lakers are eyeing Christian Wood but there’s a catch

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Christian Wood and Biyombo in action (image via Getty Images)

Although the Lakers were the front runners in gathering Dario Saric, he was grabbed by the Warriors. The 27-year-old monster of a man averaged 21 and 17.9 points with the Rockets prior to the last season with the Dallas Mavericks where he averaged 16.6 points with 7.3 rebounds and an impressive shotting of 51.5% percent from the field. Wood brings in the much-needed offensive firepower to any team that he goes to.

But here comes the catch. The Lakers can no longer give Wood any amount that he desires. The maximum they can stretch is about $1.9 million and that may not be enough for Wood. However, just like Dennis Schroeder, the Lakers can negotiate the deal and convince Wood that if he plays well, he can grab the bag with ease. Or they may take the easy route and sign Biyombo who might be available for lesser than Wood.

After last year’s disappointing run in the Western Conference finals against the Nuggets where they lost 4-0, the Lakers are eyeing the Ring this season, as it may be LeBron’s last. To do that, they need at least one more big man out of the 2 they are eyeing. Will they be successful in getting what they want? We can only wait and watch.

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