Slam Dunk Central

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Now that it has been determined that Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum will be out at least eight weeks, the team is sorely lacking that presence in the paint.? So begins the search for a temporary stopgap at center.? And truth be told, what is available out there in free agent land is rather thin.? Unless your idea of a suitable center is either Chris Webber (he’s really a forward), P.J. Brown (there’s a reason New Orleans let him go) and that world-beater, DJ Mbenga (who?).

Let’s face it - the Lakers won’t get far with Kwame Brown starting (178 starts in 7 years should tell you something) or current backup Ronnie Turiaf (like Webber, more a true power forward).? Chris Mihm is almost ready to return, but he has a long ways to go.? Now the free agents:

• Chris Webber.? The Lakers, for whatever reason, have been intrigued with him as they think he’s the ideal “triangle-offense” player (good passer, good jumper).? However, he will be 35 in March and hasn’t played since last season.? He has been contacted by some other teams around the NBA and is expected to make a decision this week sometime.
• P.J. Brown.? You thought the Webber situation was bad, consider this one even worse.? P.J.’s 38 years old and retired last season.? Expect him to remain that way.
• DJ Mbenga.? Recently released by the Golden State Warriors, while he fits the height requirement for a center, his numbers make Mark Eaton’s (former redwood tree for the Utah Jazz) stats almost Hall Of Fame-like (1.2 PPG, 1.9 RPG in 16 games for Golden State).

Time obviously is short (no pun intended), and the Lakers need to get something done quickly.? I refuse to even predict who the Lakers will sign to fill Bynum’s spot as what’s out there is real thin.