There’s no stopping trade rumors surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers, especially as they look to add a promising big man alongside Luka Dončić. Of course, LeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers has only increased the pressure on the current roster.

A new report, still focusing on the same goals, has linked LA to one such athletic rim-running center.

NBA Insider Links Lakers to Athletic Center Well Suited for Luka Dončić

In an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, NBA insider Jake Fischer identified Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims as an obvious potential Lakers target.

“Jericho Sims is clearly someone the Lakers have liked, and that type of archetype, that type of bouncy rim runner who Luka obviously has enjoyed great success with dating back to Dallas, on a minimum salary deal is someone… I mean, I think that’s the easy, obvious, highlight letter A, No. 1 option for them,” Fischer explained in his segment. “But I think also those kinds of players are also who the Lakers will be looking at.”

Fischer was quick to highlight the Lakers’ preference, which has leaned heavily into centers well-suited for Dončić.

This also isn’t the first time the Lakers have been linked to Sims.

The team was reportedly interested in Sims earlier this year while trying to trade Dalton Knecht. However, no deal was finalized as they ultimately waived Knecht before the regular season kicked off.

Playing just over six minutes per game, Sims hasn’t made much of an impact this season.

The Lakers might be able to use Sims more effectively and also promise him more game time with Dončić. Even if he is coming off the bench, the duo can certainly create impactful plays with Sims’ pick-and-roll skills.

That being said, Sims averaged 19.7 minutes for the Bucks last season. He averaged five points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 78.4% from the field.

Sims also exercised his $2.8 million player option to remain with Milwaukee for the 2026-27 season.

Other reports have previously suggested Sims as a backup center for the Lakers, with names like Karlo Matković (New Orleans Pelicans) and Goga Bitadze (Orlando Magic) on the list.

The Lakers’ lack of a reliable backup might not be glaring just yet, but it’s important to plug the gap in their depth as soon as possible, especially as they aim for another franchise title with Dončić leading the charge.

One should also take into account the monetary factor, as the Lakers can’t afford to splurge on a backup.

Currently ranked first in the Western Conference with an 8-2 record, the Lakers will next play the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, November 8.