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One of the last remaining free agent centers has decided against joining the Los Angeles Lakers. Robin Lopez has agreed in principle to a deal that will land him with the New York Knicks, reports Marc Stein of ESPN. Lopez's deal is contingent on DeAndre Jordan not signing with the Knicks, which stands as a likely outcome at this stage in free agency.
The Lakers are now down to a big man like Kosta Koufos, or exploring re-signing Jordan Hill. Center was one of the biggest positional needs on the Lakers' roster, and missing out on finding an upgrade through free agency is a blow.
Los Angeles is still technically in the mix for LaMarcus Aldrige and DeAndre Jordan, but nothing indicates either player is leaning toward signing with the Lakers. The front office's intention of focusing their attention to signing a frontcourt player through free agency still has the team empty-handed even with the salary space needed to upgrade a roster needing talent.
One of the last remaining moves the Lakers can make at this point in free agency is signing Tobias Harris to an offer sheet, but it's unclear if any progress has been made on that front, and whether or not the Orlando Magic will match a lucrative contract.