Will the Los Angeles Lakers sign Nikola Vucevic?

If Vucevic gets his contract bought out by the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers are closely monitoring the situation and are interested in signing the veteran center to bolster their depth at the position.

How would Nikola Vucevic fit with the Los Angeles Lakers?

Vucevic is a skilled offensive player who can hit three-pointers and rebound well, but he is considered unathletic and a weak defender. The Lakers would likely see him as a potential backup center behind Deandre Ayton.

What other moves have the Los Angeles Lakers made this offseason?

The Lakers have already signed Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart this offseason as they look to improve their roster and contend in the upcoming season.

Home / Sports / Lakers Closely Monitoring Veteran Center Vucevic's Potential Buyout

Lakers Closely Monitoring Veteran Center Vucevic's Potential Buyout

2 Aug

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Summary

Lakers sign Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart this offseason
Vucevic, a 2-time All-Star, may get bought out by the Bulls
Lakers have limited cap space to sign Vucevic if bought out

Lakers Closely Monitoring Veteran Center Vucevic's Potential Buyout

As of August 2nd, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers are closely tracking the situation surrounding veteran center Nikola Vucevic, who may potentially get his contract bought out by the Chicago Bulls. This comes after the Lakers have already made some notable roster moves this offseason, signing 26-year-old center Deandre Ayton and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.

The Lakers are reportedly interested in adding Vucevic, a two-time NBA All-Star, to their roster if he becomes available through a buyout. Vucevic, who will turn 35 in late October, has shown the ability to hit the three-point shot and is a capable rebounder, though he is considered unathletic and a weak defender.

Last season, Vucevic averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 53% from the field and 40.2% from three-point range. However, his three-point efficiency has fluctuated in recent years, with him shooting just 29.4% from deep the previous season.

The Lakers currently have just over $1 million in salary cap space, which may not be enough to sign Vucevic to a veteran's minimum contract if he is indeed bought out by the Bulls. Nevertheless, the team is closely monitoring the situation and remains interested in adding the veteran center to their roster as they look to bolster their depth and improve their chances of contending in the upcoming season.

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