Despite prying center Montrezl Harrell from the rival Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers are still set on adding another big man to their roster, and might be close to signing one. 

After it was earlier reported that Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol was one of the Lakers’ possible free agent targets, Los Angeles now appears to be in serious talks to sign him, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. 

Charania reports that the chance to compete for a championship and living in Los Angeles are appealing to the 35-year old Gasol, who was part of the Raptors team that defeated the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals to win the franchise’s first title. Gasol’s frontcourt partner with the Raptors, Serge Ibaka, already inked a two-year, $19 million deal with the Clippers. 

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James dumps fuel on Brian Windhorst feud with calloutMalik Brown ·

With Dwight Howard departing Los Angeles to sign a one-year, $2.6 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers felt the need to acquire another big man despite signing Harrell, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year. Gasol, a former three-time All Star and Defensive Player of the Year during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, should help fill that void and create a towering front court next to All Star Anthony Davis. 

In his second season in Toronto, the Spaniard averaged 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, while shooting 42.7% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc.

Gasol was actually drafted by the Lakers with the 48th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft but was shipped to the Grizzlies as part of a trade for his older brother Pau Gasol, who helped Kobe Bryant win two championships and reach three straight Finals during his time with the Purple and Gold.