The Lakers are still working to reinforce their workforce, especially to cover the huge hole in the inner game left by Anthony Davis’s departure, now accentuated with the injury of their only pivot, Jaxson Hayes. The signing of Ukrainian Alex Len, a 31-year-old veteran pivot from the Kings, seems not to be enough to fill that void. Len, who averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in the Kings before being transferred, debuted with the Lakers in the defeat against Utah Jazz, contributing four points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes.
Challenges in the free agent market
The free agent pivots market is quite stiff at the moment, unless the Lakers decide to bet on veterans at the end of their careers such as Javale McGee, Dwight Howard, or Demarcus Cousins. However, the Lakers have Bismack Biyombo, a 32-year-old Congolese pivot, on their radar. Biyombo has just finished a 10-day contract signed with the Spurs and is again a free agent. The Lakers would have to sign him before the Spurs or any other team try to sign him with a contract until the end of the season or another temporary contract.
A defensive pivot with a strong presence
Biyombo, who has averaged 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks along his 14 seasons in the NBA, is a defensive pivot, a good bouncer, and more intimate than Len. He could put a good hand in the painting to the Lakers. Biyombo is a veteran who understands his role and can contribute almost anything in attack. He would give the Lakers another option so that they do not have to act as circumstantial pivots like LeBron James, Dorian Finney-Smith, or Rui Hachimura.
A potential solution to the Lakers’ problems
The Lakers need a veteran who can arrive and understand the role perfectly that they need him to play. Having three pivots that contribute different things would be the best way to cover the hole left by Anthony Davis. Hayes is a good rebounder and finisher of plays, Len can bounce, but his defense leaves much to be desired, and Biyombo would be the most defensive, intimate, and explosive of the three. With Biyombo on board, the Lakers could have a more balanced and solid presence in the paint.
