Isaiah Stewart revealed he was briefly linked to the Los Angeles Lakers during the summer free agency period, a twist that highlights the front office’s missed opportunity to secure a reliable backup center. In an exclusive interview with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Stewart recounted receiving a call from his agent who speculated a move to either the Washington Wizards or the Lakers. However, the conversation ended abruptly when agent Trajan Langdon informed him that the Memphis Grizzlies had presented a deal he could not refuse, effectively ending any potential negotiations with Los Angeles.
Grizzlies big man reveals close call with LA front office before Memphis deal
The Lakers have faced significant scrutiny for their failure to adequately address the backup center position this offseason. While they signed Kevon Looney, the veteran has clearly passed his prime and fallen out of head coach JJ Redick’s rotation, leaving a noticeable gap in the lineup. Simultaneously, Sandro Mamukelashvili has been deployed at the five but is often considered more effective as a power forward, particularly on defense, while his offensive production has remained inconsistent. Stewart’s admission underscores how close the Lakers came to acquiring a proven, energetic rim protector who could have stabilized the frontcourt depth.
Stewart, who spent the previous six seasons with the Detroit Pistons, is now fully committed to his new role with Memphis following a massive trade that sent him to the Grizzlies. His presence offers a stark contrast to the Lakers’ current interior struggles, as he provides elite rebounding and defensive versatility that the team currently lacks. This revelation serves as a critical talking point for Lakers fans and analysts alike, emphasizing the high stakes of roster construction and the fine margins that can separate a competitive roster from one plagued by positional mismatches.
Source: Yahoo Sports
