With Austin Reeves, LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and now Adou Thiero on their roster, the LA Lakers will be the team to beat in the next season, if not for one major concern. During their most recent playoff run, the Lakers’ weakness was exposed once again when they did not have a reliable center. After their premature playoff exit, now, GM Rob Pelinka also understands the urgent need on his roster.

As per Shams Charania of ESPN, “It’s clear their [Lakers] biggest need is at center. Rob Pelinka has spoken about it ad nauseam that they need to find that.” And since the Lakers could not get a proper center from the draft, the offseason remains the only hope for Los Angeles. On Friday, Dan Woike of the Athletic revealed that the Lakers are “super active” in their hunt for C, and GM Pelinka “won’t rest until he gets it right.”

Well, as of now, the Lakers are not linked to any center from the league. But considering the Phoenix Suns are willing to let their six-season veteran, Bol Bol, walk for free, the 7’3 might be an ideal fit in HC Redick’s lineup. After two seasons in Phoenix, Bol hits unrestricted free agency with interest brewing on the veteran’s minimum market. And this is where it gets spicy. Fans aren’t mourning his exit; they’ve already made their verdict on where Bol Bol belongs next.

A top-10 recruit out of his high school, Bol Bol was an unstoppable force at Oregon. Bol might not be the best center in the league right now, but someone who has a career 33.2% shooter from beyond the arc, he might be the right choice for the Lakers. As of now, there are no links between the Lakers and Bol Bol, but if Pelinka and the team are actually considering giving Bol a shot, the 7’3 center will not cost much either. At worst, he is a fan favorite, and at best, he solves some serious lineup concerns for JJ Redick. Given the team’s need for size and rim protection, fans wasted no time making their feelings known once Bol hit free agency.

One fan dropped, “Lakers finally getting their Center of the future🙏🔥💯.” It’s not a reckless take either. At 7-foot-3 with rare length and versatility, Bol fits the mold of what the Lakers have desperately lacked since losing key bigs post-bubble. His potential as a stretch-five and defensive anchor makes him a legitimate long-term option if handled right.

Another comment read, “Welcome to the Lakers, Bol.” While the deal isn’t official yet, this reflects just how badly Lakers Nation craves fresh blood in the frontcourt. With minimal options available in the veteran free-agent market, Bol’s upside makes him an obvious crowd favorite.

A third reaction read, “Congrats Bol Bol, you are a Laker.” Well, that level of certainty comes from a fan base used to seeing rumors materialize quickly when Rob Pelinka gets involved. The Lakers have a long track record of making unexpected moves. Remember how they swooped in for Christian Wood and D’Angelo Russell.

Finally, one fan got blunt: “Bol really is the Lakers’ savior they are actually down bad man.” And honestly, there’s truth there. The Lakers’ current big-man rotation lacks depth. And bolstering it with Bol Bol’s skill set would patch an obvious weakness. While savior might be a stretch, he’s arguably the best available option with upside left on the board.

While Bol Bol’s next destination is still not confirmed despite the Lakers’ noise, it may have been again the same Devin Booker who green-lit another offseason move for the Suns.

Devin Booker: The mastermind behind the Suns’ offseason moves

Back in June 2015, Devin Booker landed at the Phoenix Suns as the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft. Since then, he’s anchored their backcourt as the franchise’s steady shooting guard. Ten years later, every milestone in Booker’s career has Phoenix’s fingerprints on it. From his rookie rise to All-Star appearances, it’s all happened in that desert city.

Naturally, Booker’s reportedly played a hand in the Suns’ major offseason moves. According to Brian Windhorst, “Devin Booker was active in their keg coaching search. He was active in some of their other decisions, including Kevin Durant trade…” 

Now, setting the Kevin Durant trade aside, Phoenix’s front office has pulled a few other mind-boggling moves this week. According to reports, Devin Booker is expected to ink a two-year, $150 million extension with the Suns next week. Given their decade-long bond, that move surprises no one. But when the Suns are letting Bol Bol enter his free agency, the fingers are once again pointed at Booker.

Only time will tell which team the South-Sudanese center will sign with. Meanwhile, do you think the Lakers would be the ideal destination for the 25-year-old? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!