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Eastern Conference center the LA Lakers ‘inquired about’ is set to become unrestricted free agent

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 6:30 PM ET

The LA Lakers’ search for a center is expected to be addressed in free agency.

The top free agents are beginning to make their moves, including LeBron James, who has opted back in with the LA Lakers.

LeBron wants the Lakers to strengthen the team for the upcoming season, and this means adding size after they were overpowered in the playoffs.

General manager Rob Pelinka immediately pledged to improve the position. But after the NBA Draft came and went, it’s clear the answers will have to come via trades or free agency.

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Day’Ron Sharpe enters the free agency market

One player the LA Lakers might now consider is the Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe, after the team allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent.

While the Nets hope to re-sign Sharpe on a different deal, they now risk losing him on the open market.

The news was broken via insider Michael Scotto, who posted the update on X: “The Brooklyn Nets declined to tender Day’Ron Sharpe his 1-year, $5.98 million qualifying offer.

“He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after averaging 7.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per game this season. Brooklyn hopes to re-sign him with cap space flexibility.”

Sources: The Brooklyn Nets declined to tender Day’Ron Sharpe his 1-year, $5.98 million qualifying offer. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after averaging 7.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per game this season. Brooklyn hopes to re-sign him with cap space flexibility. pic.twitter.com/BfPc6T9Bpa
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 29, 2025

The LA Lakers held interest in Day’Ron Sharpe

This news may be of particular intrigue to the LA Lakers, because they were a team who made a play for him.

NetsWire reported in February: “The LA Lakers are one of several teams that have inquired about Nets backup center Day’Ron Sharpe’s trade availability this season.”

Now available as a free agent, this could be an avenue the Lakers pursue, as they consider their options to improve their roster.

The Lakers need different types of big men and Sharpe might not be their only signing – but as part of the puzzle, he presents a possible solution.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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