"He will be the best fit of all available 5s": Lakers fans can't contain excitement as 6'11" free agent dubbed 'natural fit' with Luka, LeBron

The LA Lakers are expected to be active players this offseason, both in trades and free agency, and one name that has emerged in connection with them is Houston Rockets big man Steven Adams, who hits unrestricted free agency this summer.

Per The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, the Rockets consider the 6-foot-11 Adams a top priority to bring back but anticipate strong competition from teams where he would be a “natural fit” — including the Spurs, Knicks, Pacers and both the Lakers and Clippers.

Following Iko’s report — and with LA in the market for a center — Lakers fans expressed enthusiasm about Adams possibly joining LeBron James and Luka Doncic. One fan said Adams is the best option available, praising his gritty role-player style:

“(Adams) will be the best fit of all available 5s. The height, body, and overall intimidation under the basket. He doesn’t need to score. He knows he just has to check the other team’s 5 and secure rebs, maybe do some occasional blocks and stops. Get him. He may not be too expensive.”

Others saw him as a backup option, but only under specific conditions.

Richard A

@RichEA

if he's cheap, and play backup

AP

@FroboCop16

As the backup for discount deal yup!

Mo Shad

@ershadaja

As a back up for Claxton? Absolutely YES!

Not everyone agreed, with some fans doubting his fit in LA.

Amateurcapper

@Amateurcapper

Short answer: No.

He was the center to pair w/AD, but that time has passed. He's not the kind of athlete

LukaTheDon77

@sahneSoe1

bad fit with luka

Why are the Lakers expected to be aggressive in the offseason?

Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up earlier this week, front office insider Bobby Marks said the LA Lakers are poised to be aggressive in roster moves, aiming to use expiring deals to acquire a center and depth — similar to their failed attempt at landing Mark Williams.

“I expect them to be extremely aggressive this offseason, especially with LeBron likely going into, you know, he’s got one year left on his contract,” he said (per Lakers Nation).

“They showed their hand at the trade deadline when they made that Mark Williams trade that wound up failing him on his physical,” Marks said. “They are going to go out and get a center this offseason, we’ll see how that goes, you’ve got one first-round pick to do that.”

Marks also flagged Luka Doncic’s looming extension as a key subplot.

“Keep an eye on Aug. 2 that is when Luka is eligible to sign that extension. So you’re trying to build for the now, but I think you also have to have an eye for the future when eventually LeBron does retire here.”

The Lakers’ trade assets include a first-round pick and expiring contracts from Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber.