{"id":112492,"date":"2025-08-02T08:20:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-02T08:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/112492\/"},"modified":"2025-08-02T08:20:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-02T08:20:10","slug":"la-lakers-looking-at-bringing-in-another-career-double-double-scorer-to-the-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/112492\/","title":{"rendered":"LA Lakers looking at bringing in another career double-double scorer to the team"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The LA Lakers are closely looking at bringing in another player who has averaged a double-double for his career.<\/strong><\/p>\n

After adding three players in NBA free agency, the LA Lakers<\/a> are once again expected to be back in the market.<\/p>\n

Luka Doncic recently gave a hint about signing a contract extension<\/a> with the team and once that happens, they could once again be looking for a player.<\/p>\n

After having recruited Deandre Ayton to the center position<\/a>, the team is looking at a two-time All-Star after he has been rumored to move away from his team.<\/p>\n

\"LAPhoto by Keith Birmingham\/MediaNews Group\/Pasadena Star-News via Getty ImagesLakers looking at Nikola Vucevic situation with the Chicago Bulls<\/p>\n

Nikola Vucevic<\/a> had a brilliant season with the Chicago Bulls<\/a> as he averaged 18.5 PPG and 10.1 RPG, while shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc.<\/p>\n

He was in trade talks throughout the season, but a deal with another team was never reached, which led to him staying with the Bulls.<\/p>\n

The team moved on from Zach LaVine last season and Lonzo Ball<\/a> almost a month ago. It seems likely that Vucevic could be the next player who they trade for assets. <\/p>\n

His contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, which means the Bulls would want to trade him away as soon as they can.<\/p>\n

\"NikolaPhoto by Luke Hales\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

If the team is not able to find a good offer for him, Vucevic is expected to be a leading contender in the buyout market.<\/p>\n

Anthony Irwin<\/a> reported that the Lakers were one of the teams closely looking at his situation with the Bulls.<\/p>\n

Irwin said: \u201cThis does leave a few interesting free agents still, not even including eventual buyout candidates like Chicago\u2019s Nikola Vucevic. As they did with Smart, the Lakers are closely monitoring that situation.<\/p>\n

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The Lakers are monitoring Nikola Vu\u010devi\u0107\u2019s situation, per @AnthonyIrwinLA<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u201cThis does leave a few interesting free agents still, not even including eventual buyout candidates like Chicago\u2019s Nikola Vucevic. As they did with Smart, the Lakers are closely monitoring that\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/Ltchd8RFvT<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 1, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

Lakers do not need Vucevic<\/p>\n

Rob Pelinka had promised the Lakers would make a move for a center in the offseason<\/a> after their first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.<\/p>\n

After a lot of talks, they finally brought Ayton to the roster.<\/p>\n

Ayton is also a career double-double scorer, and although his game is a little different from Vucevic, they are both offensively brilliant.<\/p>\n\nSeason<\/td>\nNikola Vucevic Points <\/td>\nNikola Vucevic Rebounds<\/td>\nDeandre Ayton Points<\/td>\nDeandre Ayton Rebounds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2024-25<\/td>\n18.5 <\/td>\n10.1<\/td>\n14.4<\/td>\n10.2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2023-24<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n10.5<\/td>\n16.7<\/td>\n11.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2022-23<\/td>\n17.6<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

However, having both of them as center options will weaken their defensive solidity in the center position.<\/p>\n

Jaxson Hayes was retained by the team<\/a>, but even he is not the best defensive option and if the Lakers want another big, they will have to look for someone who is a rim protector.<\/p>\n

Irwin reported the team was looking at Robert Williams III, but his injury record is worrying. <\/p>\n

He has not played 65 games in his NBA career and although the talent is there for everyone to see, Williams will be a high risk signing for them.<\/p>\n