Although the Los Angeles Lakers’ failed trade for Mark Williams will allow the franchise to retain Dalton Knecht, it forces Jaxson Hayes to hold down the fort in the low post.
While it would be a long shot, the Lakers could acquire a former Boston Celtics big man with 48 games of playoff experience on his resume to help Hayes.
“Kelly Olynyk is a name who’s popping up on possible buyout lists, but it’s unlikely that the (New Orleans) Pelicans cooperate because he has another year on his contract,” CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn wrote Sunday.
“They’re not going to want to deal with a year of dead money, so until we hear otherwise, we should assume he’s off of the table.”
Olynyk, who helped the Celtics and Miami Heat reach the postseason multiple times, was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Pelicans on the final day of the deadline.
The Gonzaga product averaged 7.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per contest in 24 games with the Raptors this season, shooting 50.0% from the field and 44.2% from three-point land.
Olynyk has bounced around the league a bit after starting his career with the Celtics and later joining the Heat for several seasons, but his skill set could appeal to the Lakers.
As a mediocre athlete who won’t soar above the rim on either end, Olynyk prioritizes executing the pick-and-roll to perfection, efficiently nailing perimeter jumpers when necessary, and shot-faking before attempting layups around the rim.
However, as Quinn stated, it’s unlikely the 33-year-old pro will become available on the buyout market this season, leaving Los Angeles with no choice but to target other assets.
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