Lakers rumors: Second player emerges as possible vet minimum signing

The Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing veteran centers. Christian Wood is one rumored target, but now another name joins the list of possibilities. 

The Los Angeles Lakers have 13 roster spots locked up as free agency slows from a torrent to a trickle. And, according to Jovan Buha of the Athletic, Rob Pelinka and the front office are on the hunt for a veteran center.

One name already linked to LA is Christian Wood, who spent last season with Dallas. He’s certainly the flashiest name left on the market — a talented scorer whose defensive shortcomings could be masked by the all-world presence of Anthony Davis.

However, if Wood ends up elsewhere, there’s another name on the Lakers’ radar: Bismack Biyombo, the NBA journeyman who spent his most recent stint with the Phoenix Suns.

Los Angeles Lakers could target free agent Bismack Biyombo on veteran minimum contract

Biyombo, now 30 years old, spent the last two seasons in Phoenix. He averaged 4.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 58.4% FG in 14.2 minutes per game across 97 appearances (17 starts). Before that he spent time with Charlotte, Orlando, and Toronto.

While no longer the defensive enforcer and starting-caliber center of yesteryear, Biyombo continues to supply sturdy value on a veteran minimum contract. He was one of Phoenix’s most reliable big bodies last season, consistently scrapping his way to minutes despite a wealth of higher-paid center talent on the roster.

He’s built like an absolute tank, which comes in handy defending on the block or bodying up drivers at the rim. While only listed at 6-foot-8, Biyombo has long arms and he can still get off the ground to contest above the cup. His impressive block rate and consistent presence on the glass could make him a great low-minute utility piece for the Lakers.

Biyombo doesn’t offer the same offensive upside as a player like Wood. He’s mostly limited to dunks and lay-ins, but he sets thundering screens and understands how to play within his role. That’s all the Lakers, a veteran team looking for winning players, really need with a back-end roster piece of Biyombo’s variety.

The Lakers have tossed around the idea of pairing Davis with another big in the frontcourt on a regular basis next season. While a key part of Davis’ revelatory bounce-back campaign in 2022-23 was his full-time move to center, there is undeniable appeal in a player like Biyombo who can absorb minutes in more physical matchups to preserve Davis’ health for the postseason.

Behind Davis, the Lakers have already signed Jaxson Hayes away from the Pelicans. LA also acquired Florida product Colin Castleton in undrafted free agency; he has been a true star in Summer League and he could earn more than just a roster spot.

The Lakers would be wise to avoid rostering too many non-shooting, drop-coverage bigs at the same time, but Biyombo has accomplished enough in his career to deserve a look.