Lakers Strengthen Their Roster with Alperen Şengün Acquisition via Buyout Ahead of Playoffs
In a move that could significantly bolster their chances for a deep playoff run, the Los Angeles Lakers have successfully acquired Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün through a buyout agreement. This deal marks a pivotal moment for the Lakers, who have been actively seeking to shore up their roster ahead of the crucial playoff stretch. With the NBA trade deadline passed and roster spots filling up, this acquisition via buyout represents a rare opportunity for the Lakers to add a talented young center who could make an immediate impact.
Alperen Şengün, who had been a bright spot for the Rockets in recent seasons, brings a versatile skill set that could help fill some gaps for the Lakers. At just 21 years old, Şengün is a highly skilled big man known for his unique combination of size, basketball IQ, and offensive ability. Standing at 6’9″ and weighing 240 pounds, the Turkish center is capable of contributing in a variety of ways—whether it’s as a scorer in the post, a playmaker in the high post, or a solid rebounder. His ability to stretch the floor with his passing and his solid, albeit improving, outside shooting makes him an intriguing addition for the Lakers’ frontcourt.
For the Lakers, who have been looking to add depth and versatility in the center position, this move could not come at a better time. With injuries to key players like Anthony Davis and the Lakers’ reliance on LeBron James to carry the offensive load, strengthening their depth in the paint has become a priority. Şengün’s basketball IQ and skills fit well with the Lakers’ system, and his potential to develop alongside LeBron and Davis could pay dividends in the postseason.
Although the Rockets have been in a rebuilding phase, Şengün’s individual growth has not gone unnoticed. In the 2023-2024 season, he demonstrated his ability to be a strong offensive weapon, posting solid numbers with averages of around 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. His development as a playmaking center sets him apart from many other bigs in the league and presents a rare opportunity for the Lakers to add a young, dynamic player at a critical time.
The buyout market can be a wild card for playoff-contending teams, and the Lakers have been active participants in this arena before. They have a history of making strong moves at the deadline, adding players who can immediately impact the team’s playoff aspirations. Şengün fits into this narrative, bringing both youth and potential that could complement the established stars on the Lakers roster. While he may not immediately start, his ability to play both center and power forward positions gives Lakers head coach Darvin Ham added flexibility, especially in small-ball lineups or when managing load minutes for the team’s veterans.
For Şengün, the move to the Lakers is an exciting opportunity to be part of a playoff-contending team, and it’s also a chance to learn from seasoned veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It is expected that he will continue to develop his game and expand his role, perhaps even taking on more minutes in the postseason as the Lakers aim for another championship.
The Lakers’ acquisition of Alperen Şengün is a calculated and strategic move, one that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals. As the team prepares for the upcoming playoff battle, adding a player of Şengün’s caliber could give them the extra boost they need to make a serious push for the NBA title.
