Lakers Get ‘Intriguing’ Backup Center Option as Roster Deadline Nears

Lakers insider Jovan Buha suggested on his podcast that Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cisse would be an intriguing backup target for the Los Angeles Lakers. Los Angeles is actively seeking rim protection behind starter Walker Kessler ahead of the NBA roster cutdown deadline on October 19. Speculation arose after veteran Dwight Powell received preseason minutes over Cisse, leading insiders to question whether Dallas could make a surprising roster adjustment.

Dallas previously matched a two-year, $4.7 million offer sheet to keep Cisse, whose $2.19 million salary became fully guaranteed on October 1. Marc Stein noted the possibility of Dallas releasing Cisse to retain Powell, though no official decision has been made. For Los Angeles to acquire Cisse, the Mavericks would need to waive him and he would have to clear waivers before signing.