As the Los Angeles Lakers head into another offseason, their need for a center has never been clearer. After a first-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 playoffs, Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka made it plain: adding size to the frontcourt is the top priority.
With LeBron James having a $52.6 million player option for next season and the team already near the tax, L.A.’s options are limited. But there is one way — the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (NTPMLE) , which is worth $5.7 million.
This exception restricts the Lakers from signing high-salaried players but opens the door for affordable yet impactful veterans. Among them, Steven Adams is the top target who could bring much-needed physicality and rebounding to the paint.
Let’s get into whether the Lakers can get Steven Adams with the MLE — and other big men they might consider this summer.
Why the Lakers Need a Center This Offseason
The 2023–24 playoffs showed the Lakers‘ lack of interior presence. With Anthony Davis often hurt and no one behind him, L.A. couldn’t control the paint defensively and on the boards.
D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves provided scoring support, but the team had no rim protection and second-chance opportunities without a traditional center. That’s where a player like Adams comes in — a tough, hard-nosed big man who is all about hustle, screen-setting, and offensive rebounding.
How the Lakers Can Use the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception
According to ESPN salary cap expert Sean Marks, the Lakers will only have access to the $5.7 million NTPMLE if LeBron James opts in or signs a new deal for a similar salary.
So the Lakers can’t go after max or near-max free agents, but they can still pursue veteran contributors willing to take a pay cut for a shot at contention.
Here’s how that affects their options at center:
| Player | 2023–24 Salary | Expected MLE Offer | Pay Cut Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Horford | $9.5M | $5.7M | Yes |
| Kevon Looney | $8M | $5.7M | Yes |
| Clint Capela | $22.2M | $5.7M | Significant |
| Steven Adams | $12.6M | $5.7M | Yes |
All four names would require some financial flexibility — especially Capela, who earned over $22 million last year.
Could Steven Adams Be a Fit for the Lakers?
Steven Adams isn’t your typical modern NBA center — he doesn’t stretch the floor or run the pick-and-roll with flair. What he does offer, however, is something the Lakers desperately need: toughness, physicality, and elite offensive rebounding.
Adams averaged 5.8 rebounds per game last season with the Houston Rockets and consistently ranks among the league leaders in second-chance points. His ability to set hard screens and clean up misses around the rim complements stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis perfectly.
At 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, Adams brings an edge that was missing from the Lakers’ rotation last year. While he may not be a starter, his role off the bench could make a noticeable difference in playoff matchups.
But there’s a catch — Adams will have to accept a significant pay cut to join the Lakers. As an unrestricted free agent, he’ll likely receive better offers from teams with more cap space.
Still, the allure of playing alongside LeBron James and chasing a championship might entice him to take less money.
Other Centers the Lakers Could Target With the MLE
#1 – Clint Capela
Capela is arguably the most talented center on this list. A dominant finisher at the rim and one of the best rebounders in the league, Capela could thrive alongside LeBron and Davis. However, he’d have to leave over $16 million on the table to sign with L.A., making this move unlikely unless Atlanta facilitates a buyout.
#2 – Kevon Looney
Looney is a defensive anchor and a master of positioning. Though undersized at 6-foot-9, he excels at protecting the rim and crashing the boards. He won three titles with the Warriors and could provide leadership in L.A.
#3 – Al Horford
Horford is a two-way threat who spaces the floor and defends multiple positions. At age 37, he’s slowed down a bit, but his playoff experience and IQ could help the Lakers late in games.
Final Thoughts: Will Adams End Up in LA?
While Steven Adams seems like a natural fit for the Lakers’ roster needs, the financial reality of the situation makes it a tough sell. If he wants to maximize his earnings, there will be better offers elsewhere.
However, if Adams prioritizes winning over money, and Pelinka sells him on the opportunity to play a key role on a contender, then a reunion between the Lakers and Adams is possible.
For now, fans should keep an eye on how LeBron James handles his player option, as that decision will shape the Lakers’ entire offseason strategy.