Lakers should revisit rumored Jalen Smith interest as center concerns arise

Maxwell Ogden of Lake Show Life argues that the Los Angeles Lakers should revisit trade interest in Chicago Bulls big man Jalen Smith to address center concerns. Amid early struggles from Kevon Looney and Walker Kessler, Ogden highlights Smith's strong start in Chicago while filling in for the injured Nicolas Claxton. Smith is averaging 13.4 points and 8.2 rebounds through five games while shooting from beyond the arc.

The writer notes that Smith possesses an expiring $9,428,571 contract and previously drew interest from the Lakers organization, according to The Athletic's Dan Woike. Ogden suggests Smith could complement playmakers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as a floor-spacing center, though acquiring him carries trade-matching hurdles and the risk of pending 2027 free agency.