Ratliff, who had been struggling with what was called knee tendinitis, had part of the meniscus in his left knee removed.  Recovery is expected to be at least four to six weeks.

The Lakers have been playing without center Andrew Bynum who is expected back in the next two to four weeks.  Lamar Odom was recently diagnosed with a bone bruise (foot) but will play through the injury.

That leaves L.A. with just Pau Gasol at center until Bynum returns.  Gasol has logged a team-high 38.7 minutes a game through the first 10 games (with the Lakers going 8-2).  Rookie Derrick Caracter has filled in a bit at center but is undersized and inexperienced.

Odom can play the five but he’s putting in 34.3 minutes nightly as the starting power forward with just Caracter as a backup – although Coach Phil Jackson has often chosen to go small with forward Luke Walton, Matt Barnes or Ron Artest at the four. 

Given that Bynum will soon be back, followed eventually by Ratliff, the Lakers don’t necessarily need to make any moves.  General Manager Mitch Kupchak can rely on Jackson and his players to fill in the gaps as needed.

Short-term, perhaps that’s acceptable. {AUTHOR_BOX}

Long-term, Bynum has yet to prove he can get through a heavy minute season without injury.  Ratliff is one of the oldest players in the NBA (37) and had yet to make an impact off the bench (shooting 16.7%) although that may have been the knee injury.

Given the team’s investment and expectations, looking for an additional center would be wise. 

Erick Dampier remains a free agent.  The center has been tied to numerous clubs this offseason since being waived by the Charlotte Bobcats (for economic reasons).  Recently he reportedly had a deal with the Houston Rockets but that would eventually fall through.

Perhaps there’s a reason why Dampier hasn’t latched on to a team yet (like conditioning) but Erick could be an important insurance policy should Bynum suffer any further setbacks.

Even if the Lakers’ young center is sound, bringing in Dampier off the bench could offer more size against a prospective rematch with the Boston Celtics who bolstered their lineup with Shaquille O’Neal.

Dampier isn’t a "triangle" player but the center position is the least demanding and easiest to learn.

A one-year minimum deal would cost the Lakers a prorated $854k or with luxury tax, roughly $1.6 million.

Other players would be available like Brian Skinner but Dampier has true size for his position.