Lakers Target Rim-Running Depth
The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as a potential landing spot for Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims as the organization looks to solidify its frontcourt rotation. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on November 7, 2026, during an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, that the Lakers have maintained a long-standing interest in the athletic big man, viewing him as a primary candidate to pair with superstar guard Luka Dončić. Following the high-profile departure of LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers are under increased pressure to refine their roster architecture to maximize the impact of their remaining core.
The Lakers’ pursuit of a backup center comes as the franchise seeks to maximize the efficiency of its current roster following significant off-season changes. With an 8-2 record placing them first in the Western Conference, the team is looking to address depth concerns without exceeding strict budgetary constraints. Fischer described the acquisition of a player like Sims as the “No. 1 option” for the Lakers, emphasizing the “bouncy rim-running” archetype that historically complements Dončić’s playmaking style. Fischer noted that such players, particularly those available on minimum salary deals, are the exact profile the front office is seeking to bolster the rotation.
Historical Context and Roster Strategy
This interest in Sims is not a recent development. The Lakers reportedly explored acquiring the center earlier this year while engaged in trade negotiations involving Dalton Knecht, though no agreement was reached prior to the team waiving Knecht before the regular season began. Currently, Sims is under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, having exercised his $2.8 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Despite his limited role this year—averaging just over six minutes per game—his production during the 2025-26 season remains a point of reference; he averaged 19.7 minutes, 5 points, and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 78.4% from the field.
Evaluating the Frontcourt Options
The Lakers’ front office is prioritizing players who can operate effectively in pick-and-roll scenarios to complement Dončić. While other names, such as the New Orleans Pelicans’ Karlo Matković and the Orlando Magic’s Goga Bitadze, have been linked to the team in previous reports, Sims remains the most frequently cited target due to his specific skill set. The team’s ability to offer a more consistent role than Sims is currently seeing in Milwaukee could serve as a primary recruitment tool.
The organization faces the challenge of finding high-impact utility players on minimum salary deals to ensure they remain financially flexible while pursuing a franchise title with Dončić leading the charge. The team’s immediate focus is on maintaining their momentum as they prepare for their next matchup against the Detroit Pistons on November 8, 2026. While the lack of a secondary center has not yet significantly hindered their early-season success, plugging the gap in their depth remains a strategic priority for the front office as the season progresses.