NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could sign $10,317,802 Brooklyn Nets center to bolster championship push with LeBron James and Luka Doncic | NBA News

LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via Getty)

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to target a young, versatile big man in free agency this summer, and Brooklyn Nets’ backup center Day’Ron Sharpe has emerged as a potential option. With Sharpe’s steady improvement and a likely crowded market for his services, the Lakers could face competition to secure the 23-year-old’s signature.

Why Day’Ron Sharpe fits the Los Angeles Lakers’ needs

Day’Ron Sharpe, a 6’9” power forward/center hybrid, is having his best NBA season in 2024-25, posting career highs in points (7.9), rebounds (6.6), assists (1.8), and blocks (0.8) in just 18.1 minutes per game. His efficiency and athleticism make him an appealing target for a Los Angeles Lakers team that needs frontcourt depth behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

Key Stats (2024-25 Season)

Brooklyn Nets’ dilemma: Retain Sharpe or let him walk?

Day’Ron Sharpe (Image via AP)

The Nets already have a significant investment in starting center Nicolas Claxton ($25.4 million next season), which may limit their willingness to match aggressive offers for Sharpe.
As Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report noted, “Sharpe can be a restricted free agent if the Nets give him a qualifying offer, which would allow them to match any offers. However, Sharpe may have multiple suitors willing to give him a large enough offer to give Brooklyn pause.”(H/t Sporting News)

Factors working against Brooklyn’s retention:

– Financial commitment to Claxton
– Sharpe’s rising market value
– Potential for a bigger role elsewhere

Day’Ron Sharpe’s background and upside

Drafted 29th overall in 2021 out of North Carolina, Sharpe was a McDonald’s All-American at Montverde Academy, a program known for producing NBA talent like Cooper Flagg and Derik Queen. His development over four seasons with the Nets has showcased his potential as a reliable rotation player with room to grow.

Why the Los Angeles Lakers make sense

– Need for a young, athletic big to complement Davis
– Cap flexibility to outbid Brooklyn
– Opportunity for Sharpe to play a larger role
Also read: NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could sign 7-foot-1 Boston Celtics star forward to bolster squad around Luka-LeBron duo
With multiple teams expected to pursue Sharpe, the Los Angeles Lakers will need to act quickly in free agency. If Brooklyn hesitates to match offers, Los Angeles could land a promising frontcourt piece at a reasonable price.