Breaking Down the Best Buyout Targets for the Lakers in 2025
The Lakers are in a rush after missing out on Mark Williams. Which buyout candidates can aid their weakened frontcourt?
Mo Bamba previously played for the Clippers. Could the Lakers bring him back to L.A.?
The Los Angeles Lakers have been at the center of NBA discussions since acquiring Luka Doncic over two weeks ago. Most analysts agree that L.A. clearly won the trade, especially after Anthony Davis suffered an injury in his first game as a Maverick.
Reports suggest that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka was contacted by Mavs GM Nico Harrison with the Doncic proposal, a detail that continues to astonish NBA fans and insiders. Pelinka had no choice but to accept, but he’s been working tirelessly to address the center position after Davis’ injury.
Pelinka appeared to have a solution when he traded for Hornets center Mark Williams, but the deal fell apart after Williams failed his physical. Since the trade deadline had already passed, Pelinka couldn’t make another trade to fill the gap.
This leaves the buyout market as the Lakers’ only option to strengthen their frontcourt, and they signed veteran center Alex Len last week. However, Len’s debut was underwhelming, scoring four points and grabbing seven rebounds while struggling on defense during a loss to the Utah Jazz. His potential seems limited.
It’s evident the Lakers need more help at center, but the key is finding not just any available player, but the right fit. L.A. traded for Williams in line with Doncic’s desire to play with an athletic big man capable of being a lob threat. Though no available player can match Williams’ impact (and the Lakers, due to salary cap restrictions, can’t sign any player making more than the midlevel exception), there are others who could fill a similar role if viewed through the right lens.
Pelinka is surely working the phones to secure help, so let’s examine three of the best buyout candidates.
Lakers Buyout Candidate No. 1: Mo Bamba
If Pelinka is seeking high potential, Mo Bamba is the choice. Bamba has had a varied career but possesses undeniable tools.
Standing at 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-10 wingspan, Bamba can block shots and alter plays, something the Lakers desperately need with Davis out. He’s also a potent lob threat, especially with passes from Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
Bamba appeared in 28 games for the Clippers this season, where he served as a backup to Ivica Zubac, playing just over 12 minutes per game. He grabbed seven or more rebounds in six of his last 10 games and blocked five shots in his penultimate game against the Wizards. He was traded to the Jazz with PJ Tucker for Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills earlier this month, but was waived before he could play a game for Utah.
Bamba is already familiar with the Lakers and has the size and athleticism to make a bigger impact than Len. Pelinka should have signed him already.
Lakers Buyout Candidate No. 2: Chris Boucher
The buyout market is unpredictable. While Bamba is ready to sign, others’ availability is uncertain.
The Toronto Raptors, with a 17-38 record, may be looking to move on from Chris Boucher. However, this depends on the health of Jakob Poeltl, who has been sidelined with a hip injury for almost two weeks. If Poeltl’s return is delayed, Toronto might need Boucher to step up.
Boucher is averaging over 10 points per game and shooting the best three-point percentage of his career, which could be valuable for the Lakers as they aim to spread the floor around Doncic and James, both ball-dominant players with exceptional vision and passing ability.
Although Boucher attracted interest around the trade deadline, Raptors GM Masai Ujiri chose to retain him. It remains to be seen whether that decision will change now that he’s traded for Brandon Ingram and signed him to a three-year, $120 million extension.
Lakers Buyout Candidate No. 3: Kelly Olynyk
This option diverges from the “Luka lob threat” mold, but Kelly Olynyk’s versatile game and high basketball IQ make him an interesting prospect. The Lakers already boast a cerebral approach to the game.