Assessing the Center position for the Los Angeles Lakers

The center position was once a strong spot when the Lakers were thriving in the Western Conference. They boasted a three-headed monster with JaVale McGee, Tyson Chandler, and Ivica Zubac.

All three different types of centers with different strengths. McGee and Chandler were championship-tested veterans who offered defense, rebounding, and rim protection, while Zubac was a gifted young big man that offered points, rebounds, and some blocks in limited time. But after trading Zubac, and all of the turmoil, injuries, and struggles that came, the center position has been in constant flux. It is still a position of intrigue for the Lakers as they head into a critical offseason.

JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee placed himself in a category with only Kareem and Shaq in franchise history, after a monster game against the Nets.

JaVale McGee reinvented himself from a journeyman and weekly Shaqtin’ a Fool fixture to a key contributor for two championships with the Golden State Warriors. This season, he has posted his best overall season since 2011-12, when he was with the Washington Wizards.

He was even in the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year for a period of time in the early part of the year. However, just before Christmas, he had a severe bout with pneumonia, and after he returned, his effectiveness was not the same for quite a while.

After the All-Star break, however, his play picked back up on both ends. His high point of the season came against the Brooklyn Nets, with 33 points, 20 rebounds (both career-highs), and 6 blocks, on 15-20 shooting from the field. Only Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have posted 30-20-5 in the history of the Lakers franchise. He can make boneheaded plays at times still, and he gets caught out of position on defense at times, particularly against quick guards or shooting centers. But this has been a very solid season for him.

Evidenced by his shooting percentage, his best shot remains the dunk, but he has shown a Kareem-like skyhook at times, and he will even hit an occasional jumper. His fun and quirky personality also livens up the team. It is possible that he will be brought back, and he wouldn't mind being brought back, though there figure to be suitors. He has arguably been their second-best free agent pickup after LeBron James.

Tyson Chandler

The highlight of Tyson Chandler's stint in his hometown came with a game-saving block against Trae Young in November.

Tyson Chandler had inspired the Lakers with his rebounding, defensive tenacity, and his leadership. He even had a game-saving block vs the Atlanta Hawks in November, against rookie sensation Trae Young. After LeBron’s injury and the Lakers’ subsequent freefall down the standings, Chandler’s effectiveness and minutes decreased significantly. He also has gotten hit with the injury and flu bug. He has seldom played since the All-Star break.

It is commendable that Chandler chose to return home rather than join contenders such as the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics. However, at 37, he is clearly in the twilight of his career, though he has stated that he plans to keep playing. It appears unlikely he will be brought back to the Lakers.

Moe Wagner

Moe Wagner has impressed with his offense and range when given playing time.

Rookie Moe Wagner was seldom used for a good chunk of the season, but he consistently been in the rotation at power forward and center over the last few weeks, even drawing a few starts. Even in spot minutes early in the season, he showed some signs of potential.

Wagner plays with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. He has shown range from the 3-point line, and has an array of moves in the post. He needs to bulk up to bang with bigger centers. He also needs to improve his post defense and become a more consistent rebounder. But he has a bright future and figures to be a key part of the rotation next season and beyond.

Jonathan Williams

Jonathan Williams' energy and defense has impressed the Lakers.

Jonathan Williams is really a power forward, but he has also spent time at the center position. At 6-9, 228, he is a bit undersized as a 4 and 5, but he makes up for it with his energy and heart. He has had breakout games against the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets. He has potential as a rebounder and shot-blocker. He takes charges, has shown the ability to defend in the post and on the perimeter. He has a lefty hook, but most of his points come from cuts to the rim. He will likely be on the summer league roster again, and figures to compete for a roster spot.

Mike Muscala

Mike Muscala has not been particularly impressive on either end of the court since being acquired from the Clippers.

Mike Muscala was acquired at the trading deadline for has been largely unimpressive on both ends of the court with the Lakers. On Sunday, in a blowout victory against the Pelicans, “Moose” posted his best game as a Lakers, with 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. His skillset and measurements are nearly identical to Moe Wagner, but he does not have the upside. He has disappointed in terms of being a stretch big man to open up the floor. He almost certainly will not be brought back as a free agent. Since he was acquired, he essentially fell behind Wagner and Williams in the big man rotation.

Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma, a gifted scorer and shooter, has made strides defensively, even at the center position.

Kyle Kuzma is essentially a 3/4, but he also spends time here. He is a gifted and natural scorer. The benefit is that he is too quick off the dribble for most centers, and he can stretch them from the 3-point line. The bad news is that is at 6-9 and 220 pounds, he can be manhandled in the post and on the boards against big, strong centers. He has shown some improvement as a defender, but he is still susceptible to lapses. Kuz figures to get spot minutes at center in small-ball lineups, but his primary positions will continue to be power forward and small forward (as long as he is on the roster).