Lakers in bidding war with Knicks, Heat for $19M elite rim protector to back up Walker Kessler

The Los Angeles Lakers are engaged in a bidding war with the New York Knicks and Miami Heat for a $19 million elite rim-protecting center to serve as a backup to Walker Kessler. The Lakers are actively seeking depth at the center position heading into next season and have inquired about one of the best remaining centers on the free-agent market. All three franchises are competing for the same target, making it a contested pursuit.