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Tag: Lakers center needs

  • Why the Lakers May Miss Out on Their Top Center Choice?

    Why the Lakers May Miss Out on Their Top Center Choice?

    The Los Angeles Lakers are entering an important offseason with one main goal: upgrade at center. After a first round playoff exit, it’s clear they need a rim protector and rebounder. But recent news suggests their top target may not be an option anymore so they’ll have to look elsewhere in free agency or trades.

    Lakers’ Center Problems This Season

    For most of the 2024-2025 season, the Lakers were a mess at center. They had Jaxson Hayes, Alex Len, Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison III – none of whom were able to provide the impact needed to compete at the highest level.

    Hayes showed flashes of being a second string player, Len was a non factor, Koloko and Jemison were restricted by their two way contracts. The lack of a true starting center became evident in their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves where Rudy Gobert exposed their weaknesses on rebounding and rim protection.

    With LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the way, the Lakers need a center who can anchor the defense, rebound and stretch the floor when needed. Unfortunately their top choice for that role may not be available anymore.

    Myles Turner: The Dream That Might Slip Away

    For years, Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers has been linked to the Lakers as a solution at center. 6’11” Turner is a dominant shot blocker and rim protector, averaging over 2 blocks a game for most of his career. He’s also developed into a legit 3 point threat, stretching defenses and creating space for his teammates.

    Turner was set to be a free agent this summer, and while he was going to command more than the $19.9 million he made this season, the Lakers were interested in him. But according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, those hopes may be dashed.

    “Rising expectation, league sources say, is that he’ll be staying in the Hoosier State,” Fischer wrote.

    This leaves the Lakers scrambling to find other options as Turner would have been a perfect fit for their system.

    Limited Options in Free Agency

    Without Turner on the market, the Lakers’ options in free agency are limited. Unless LeBron James opts out of his contract and takes a big pay cut (which seems unlikely) the Lakers will only have the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception to offer free agents.

    Veteran centers like Brook Lopez and Clint Capela could be targets, but convincing them to join the Lakers for such a small salary might be tough. Both have proven track records as defensive anchors and rebounders, but will likely look elsewhere for more money.

    Trade Market Targets: Claxton and Gafford

    If the Lakers can’t get a top tier center in free agency, their best chance may come via trade. According to Los Angeles Times beat writer Dan Woike, the Lakers are currently looking at two centers on the trade market: Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets and Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks.

    Nic Claxton

    Claxton has become one of the most athletic big men in the league, known for his ability to protect the rim and finish above the basket. He doesn’t stretch the floor with outside shooting, but his energy and defensive presence are valuable.

    Daniel Gafford

    Gafford is another option. He’s a high energy player who excels at finishing lobs, rebounding, and defending the paint. Like Claxton, he doesn’t provide much floor spacing, but his physicality and motor could fit well with LeBron and Doncic. It will cost assets, but it’s their best option to address the center position without breaking the bank.

    What’s Next for the Lakers?

    The Lakers’ offseason agenda is clear: find a starting center who can defend and rebound. Missing out on Myles Turner is a bummer but it forces them to get creative in free agency or through trades.

    If they can get Nic Claxton or Daniel Gafford, they’ll be better. But not addressing this need could be trouble for next season.

  • Lakers Expected to Pursue Major Star Center in Free Agency

    Lakers Expected to Pursue Major Star Center in Free Agency

    The Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves was a harsh reminder of their glaring weakness: the lack of a reliable starting center. Head coach J.J. Redick’s decision to start Jaxon Hayes and quickly shift to small-ball tactics backfired, as Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves exploited the Lakers’ size disadvantage.

    While the Lakers made an attempt to address this issue at the trade deadline by pursuing Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, the deal fell through after Williams failed his physical. Now, with the offseason officially underway, the Lakers are expected to explore all available options to solidify their center position.

    Why Jakob Poeltl Makes Sense for the Lakers?

    One name that’s been mentioned as a potential target for the Lakers is Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl. He’s set to make $19.5 million in the 2025-26 season and has a player option for the following year. According to HoopsHype, if the Raptors don’t extend Poeltl, he could be a trade candidate.

    The Raptors getting the 9th pick in the upcoming draft adds another layer to this possibility. If they draft a young big like Derik Queen to replace Poeltl long term, it increases the chances they move him—this offseason or at the trade deadline.

    For the Lakers, acquiring Poeltl would be a realistic and impactful move. While trades for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo have been floated, getting a reliable role player like Poeltl fits better with the team’s current roster and salary cap situation.

    What Jakob Poeltl Brings to the Table?

    Poeltl is the kind of player the Lakers need to add to the frontcourt. 7’1”, he’s a rebounder, rim protector, and finisher of lobs around the basket. He’d be perfect for Luka and LeBron to alley-oop and create space in the paint.

    But Poeltl isn’t a floor spacer—he only took 5 threes last season—but the Lakers can still go small ball when needed. He’d allow them to switch between traditional big man lineups and modern 5 out lineups depending on the matchup.

    The Cost of Acquiring Poeltl

    Unlike the Mark Williams deal, trading for Poeltl might require the Lakers to give up more assets. As an NBA veteran with consistent production, Poeltl has value. But the Lakers must be careful not to overpay or sacrifice Austin Reaves.

    If the Lakers can structure a deal that works for both teams without gutting their core rotation, getting Poeltl should be a no brainer. He can anchor the defense and provide stability in the paint, and that would go a long way in fixing their biggest roster hole.

    A Busy Offseason Ahead for the Lakers

    The Lakers’ offseason priorities are clear: find a solution at center and build a championship supporting cast around Doncic and James. Getting Poeltl would check that box and set the tone for other moves like re-signing role players or targeting shooters in free agency.

    Fans may dream of big blockbuster trades, but sometimes the most effective upgrades come from adding reliable role players. For the Lakers, filling the center hole is the foundation of their offseason, and Poeltl is one of the best options available.

    Addressing the Center Position

    The Lakers’ inability to counter Minnesota’s size in the playoffs showed how important it is to address the center position. Jakob Poeltl is the perfect blend of experience, skill, and fit to help the Lakers next season.

    As the front office navigates free agency and trade talks, they will prioritize finding a stabilizing force in the middle. If they do, the rest of their offseason will only make them more likely to make another deep playoff run.