5 million in one year! The Lakers averaged 9+6 centers per game, which was suitable for substitutes, and their characteristics were very suitable for Doncic

After winning Ayton, there is a candidate for the Lakers starting center. What about the substitute center?

Description point: data. After the All-Star season 24-25, the Lakers scored a total of 2,621 points in the starting lineup, ranking first in the league in the same period. The substitutes scored a total of 787 points, which was only better than the Knicks, Nuggets and Kings during the same period.

From another perspective, if the substitute is more powerful, the Lakers will not be swept by the Timberwolves 4:1 gentleman in the first round. Obviously, signing Ayton is just the beginning, and Pelinka has to find a substitute center for the team.

Season 24-25, the most substitute center scored was Naz Reed's 827 points and averaged 13.1 points per game; the most rebounds were Valanciunas's 400 points and averaged 6.7 points per game; the most assists were Naz Reed's 126 points per game, averaged 2.0 points per game. According to the data, the league has little demand for substitute centers - they can temporarily hold on to the scene when the main players are resting or through scoring, rebounding or assisting.

These are the basis. For the Lakers, the ability of this substitute center does not need to be very high. I mean, you don't need to get it at a high price.

According to multiple media reports, after obtaining Ayton, the Lakers offered Horford a 5 million biennium special offer.

Explanation point 1: Career resume. So far in his NBA career, Horford has made 1,078 of his 1,138 appearances, with a starting rate of 94.7%. However, 125 appearances in the past two seasons have been used as substitutes for 40 times.

Explanation point 2: combat power. In the 24-25 season, Horford scored 538 points, 369 rebounds and 128 assists, including 38th in the same position, 43rd in rebounds and 28th in assists. Obviously, Horford has excellent standards in both the total data and the average average of 9+6.

To sum up two points, with the ability to play as a starting player, Horford is obviously more than enough to play as a substitute. In addition, I think the latter's characteristics are also very suitable for Doncic.

Reason 1: Three points. In the 24-25 regular season, Horford scored a total of 114 three-pointers and ranked 11th in the same position; 36.3% three-pointers scored at least 200 shots in the same position and ranked 9th in 21 people.

Reason 2: Protect the basket. With 259 attempts to interfere with the opponent's shooting, the opponent's shooting rate was limited from 63.8% to 57.6%, a decrease of 6.2%. In comparison, Jaart Allen fell by 7.1%, and Boltel fell by 5.3%.

Reason 3: Cover. Horford scored 251 points for the team with 98 points on screen. For comparison, Capela covers 122 times and creates 280 points.

To sum up the above three points, we can define Horford's characteristics as having three points, being able to protect the basket and having solid coverage. The adaptation with Doncic can be reflected in two aspects:

aspect 1: offensive end. So far since joining the Lakers, Doncic has made 559 shots and 192 of them are from the inside. With the end of the inside, Horford's three-pointer can restrain the defenders and open up space. In terms of the ending method, Doncic's 165 shots came from the pick-and-roll with the ball, while Horford can play pick-and-roll with Doncic with solid screening ability. More importantly, having the ability to project can allow Doncic to create more misalignment opportunities.

aspect 2: defensive end. After replacing defense, Horford can make up for Doncic's defense to a certain extent, which is one of them. Secondly, even if the basket is of a certain level, it will not be a side effect.

In summary, "adaptation" is reflected in both offense and defense. Therefore, if Horford is signed with a biennium exception, the Lakers will make sure to make a profit.