The Los Angeles Lakers, following their acquisition of Luka Dončić, face a critical void at the center position. With Anthony Davis traded to the Dallas Mavericks, the team currently relies on Jaxson Hayes and Trey Jemison III to anchor the frontcourt. This lack of of star power at the has been a primary concern for the Lakers, as acknowledged by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka.
During Dončić’s introductory press conference, Pelinka emphasized the need for a center possessing specific qualities: versatility, mobility, a strong vertical game, and a competitive spirit.
However, acquiring a center that meets these criteria while preserving the team’s future draft assets, including their 2031 first-round pick, presents a significant challenge. The Lakers must carefully navigate the trade market, exploring potential options that address their immediate needs while also safeguarding their long-term future.
Los Angeles Lakers Predicted To Make Trade For Big Before NBA Trade Deadline. But For Who?
Bleacher Report recently posted their predictions for what will happen before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 6th at noon PST. It included a prediction that the Lakers will eventually land on a big man, but they don’t go so far as to name who the Lakers will end up with.
“Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets is the dream target, but getting him would almost certainly cost the 2031 pick or rookie Dalton Knecht. Myles Turner would be a strong fit with his rim protection and three-point shooting, while more affordable options include Clint Capela and Robert Williams III.
The Lakers will trade for a center. They essentially have to in order to avoid playing LeBron James at the 5 for long stretches.
Don’t expect any All-Star-level bigs to be on their way to Los Angeles, but an upgrade over Hayes will be found.”
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The Lakers have been associated with just about every viable big man in the league. With all of this public knowledge, it benefits the seller of the center du jour. The Lakers are in a desperate place and that will only drive up the cost of that player.
For a front office that so successfully played its last hand secretively for the Doncic trade, they have certainly laid this one bare for the Association to see.