On August 22, Beijing time, less than two months before the start of the new season, according to the famous Mark Tyne revealed that after the Olympic Games, Gasol Jr. expressed his preference to play the last year of the contract, but according to the source, Gasol Jr. did not clearly say that he would continue to play for the Lakers. He may complete the buyout with the Lakers, and then go to other teams, or return to Spain to retire like his brother, after all, it was exposed last year when the Lakers and Xiao Jia negotiated a contract, the Lakers signed for 2 years, but $5.2 million is 1 year's salary.
After the free market opened, Zhuang Shen joined the 76ers, Harrell was packaged and sent to the Wizards, the Lakers signed Howard, the current Lakers interior line only Davis + Howard + Small Plus can be used, if Gasol Jr. can not return to the Lakers, that only relying on Davis and Howard is definitely not enough. U.S. media "Lakeshowlife" columnist Jason Reid bluntly said that at this point in time, Gasol Jr. said that it is difficult for him to return to the Lakers, which is a very big blow for the Lakers, because the quality of the remaining interior players in the free market is not high, and the Lakers have fewer choices. But even so, the Lakers should be prepared with both hands, Reid listed four major alternatives, and for most of the regular season, Davis should return to the No. 4 position, letting Howard and Gasol Jr.'s stand-in share the No. 5 playing time.
The first was Bismarck Biyombo. Biyongbo was selected with the seventh pick in 11 years, and played for bobcats, raptors, magic, and Hornets in his career, and the highlight of Biyongbo's career was created in the Raptors, 16 years of playoffs East Final G3, Biyongbo played 39 minutes, got 7 points, 26 rebounds and 4 blocks, led the team to defeat the Cavaliers, set a raptors all-time playoff personal rebounding record, becoming the first player in the last 35 years to get at least 26 rebounds and 4 blocks in a single game in the playoffs. As a center, Bi Yongbo's height of only 2 meters 06 is really not outstanding, but his protection of the basket is very good, and he is very confrontational, and he can be an alternative to the Lakers.
The second was Cousins. Cousins has not been given a contract until now, which is really sad. After his contract with the Clippers expired, the Clippers did not renew his idea, and in the past season, Cousins has been tossing the Rockets and Clippers, averaging 7.8 points + 4.5 rebounds per game during the Clippers and 7.6 points + 2 rebounds per game in the playoffs, while maintaining a three-point shooting rate of more than 40%. It may be that Cousins will never be able to return to his peak state and will not get too many opportunities, but if Cousins returns to the Lakers again, he may be able to follow in Howard's footsteps and complete the rebirth of Nirvana.
The third place is Aldridge. Aldridge was forced to retire last season after playing just five games for the Nets, but after the free market opened, news suggested that Ard was weighing the advice his doctor had given him that he hoped to return to the NBA schedule after getting permission. Ader is definitely the best option on the Lakers' interior, can play the fourth and fifth positions, can be used as a substitute for Davis, has low and mid-range singles ability, although he is not good at passing, but more threatening on the offensive end, in addition to his combination with Davis will make opponents difficult to overcome.
Fourth place is Millsap. The best big forward in the free market at the moment is Millsap, Millsap will certainly not be able to play the No. 5 position, if the Lakers eventually sign Millsap, it means that the No. 5 position needs Howard and Davis to share the time. Although Millsap is 37 years old, his stable projection ability, his experience on the court, his strategy and passing awareness, if the Lakers need a player who can share the pressure of Davis, Millsap may be the best choice.
According to team reporter Harrison, the Lakers currently have three places to protect the contract, after reports that Fraser and Sampson may become candidates for the Remaining Two Spots for the Lakers, while the Lakers are expected to leave the 15th place to prepare for the buyout market. If Gasol Jr. can't return to the Lakers, then the Lakers need to grab people with the Nets, including Millsap and Ade are also the Nets' favorite target candidates, the competition is very cruel, now look at gasol Jr.'s attitude.