The Lakers still have an open roster spot that is earmarked for a center, to help fill in the depth chart behind Anthony Davis and (hopefully) Jaxson Hayes. For most of the summer, that choice has been framed, ideally, as one between Christian Wood and Bismack Biyombo. Very different players, but both established NBAers with defined skill sets. Of course, the Lakers have no leverage to get either one, since all they can offer is a veteran's minimum contract. So the wait continues. Now, though, a third player is ready to emerge as at least a possibility, since the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly ready to do what has been rumored for most of the offseason: Release McGee if they can't find a trade partner willing to take him. And since he played here already, and no former Laker can hit the market without being linked back to the team when back on the market, and because there are (in theory) reasonable arguments to be made for his return, well, people will make them. But is he what the Lakers need? Would they be better off waiting out Wood or Biyombo? Taking a flier on the most promising G-League center they can find? What about Colin Castleton? Where might he fit into this discussion? Finally, the Kobe Bryant statue unveiling will come on 2.8.24, a date with significance to the Bryant family and Lakers fans alike. Certainly the context around what a statue honoring Bryant might look like has radically and tragically changed. How the family and the franchise approach this moment will generate a great deal of discussion. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: JaVale McGee is reportedly going to be back on the market, finally. Is he a good option? SEGMENT 2: What are the scenarios in which McGee would make sense? SEGMENT 3: The Bryant statue unveiling date has been announced. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Ibotta Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code locked when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED. Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONNBA or enter promo code LOCKEDONNBA for a free white tech hat with any purchase. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you. FanDuel This episode is brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, Official Sportsbook of Locked On. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS - GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices