LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers may not be done building their roster. Despite acquiring Deandre Ayton in free agency after he was bought out of his contract and re-signing Jaxson Hayes, the team continues to monitor the big man market. According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, “This does leave a few interesting free agents still, not even including eventual buyout candidates like Chicago’s Nikola Vučević. As they did with Smart, the Lakers are closely monitoring that situation.” That quote highlights what’s becoming a theme in this Lakers offseason. The front office, led by Rob Pelinka, is targeting affordable veterans who can help in specific roles. The team used its mid-level exception and bi-annual exception already. That leaves only veteran minimum deals to offer. But for a player like Nikola Vucevic, the fit could be perfect.
Lakers Looking To Sign Career Double-Double Behemoth, Nikola Vucevic For ‘Nothing’
Why Vucevic Still Makes Sense
The Lakers have long admired Vucevic. They first explored trade talks for the veteran center in January. At the time, matching his $21.1 million salary proved too expensive, especially with him entering his age-35 season. The front office walked away.
Now, Vucevic is on an expiring contract. The Bulls already moved on from DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. Chicago is expected to hit reset. That could make Vucevic a buyout candidate in the coming months. If he’s waived, the Lakers can sign him for the minimum. That changes the math entirely.
Vucevic remains productive despite his age. He averaged 17.2 points and over 10 rebounds last season. He also shot 40% from three on 4.4 attempts per game. That combination of size and floor spacing is rare—especially at the veteran minimum.
A Unique Fit In JJ Redick’s System
Head coach JJ Redick already appears to favor spacing and offensive flexibility. Hayes struggled to gain his trust last postseason. While Hayes earned a new contract, his playoff role will likely remain limited. Vucevic would provide the kind of skillset Redick values.
He can score in the post, pass from the elbows, and stretch the floor. He would immediately boost a Lakers bench that ranked second to last in scoring last season. Nikola Vucevic coming off the Lakers’ bench could be a low-cost, high-upside move.
What Comes Next
It’s still unlikely that the Bulls buy him out unless they fully commit to a tank. That means the earliest Vucevic might become available is after the trade deadline. Best-case scenario, the Lakers will have to wait until then for a chance to sign him.
While Chicago holds onto Vucevic through most of the season, the Lakers don’t necessarily have to wait on their thumbs. That gives them time to evaluate Ayton and Hayes under Redick’s system. But if Vucevic hits the market earlier, expect Los Angeles to move fast.
Nikola Vucevic landing on the Lakers won’t require a trade, draft capital, or cap maneuvering—just patience. It’s the type of move contenders make to gear up for playoff matchups. He gives them another body for bigger series and a weapon against opposing drop defenses.
A Veteran Minimum Gamble Worth Taking
The Lakers’ interest in Nikola Vucevic reflects a simple reality: they still need help at center. While Ayton provides a major upgrade, he lacks the consistency and range Vucevic offers. Signing the Bulls big man for “nothing” would be a shrewd way to add experience and versatility.
And for once, the price is right.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The post Lakers Looking To Sign Career Double-Double Behemoth appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.