Los Angeles Lakers ‘Aggressively’ Targeting this Trade After Adding Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the world on Saturday night, trading for one of the NBA’s best players, Luka Doncic. To do so, they had to part with the biggest starter on their team, Anthony Davis, which means it’s time to find a new center for JJ Redick’s lineup.

Yet, the Lakers already have a couple of trade targets in mind, and they’re expected to make another move before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline. Now, we have a better idea of which centers they want.

Related: Insider Confirms Los Angeles Lakers Seeking More Big Moves Before NBA Trade Deadline

Los Angeles Lakers targeting trade for an athletic rim protector

Los Angeles Lakers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

If the Los Angeles Lakers don’t make another move, it means either Jaxon Hayes or Christian Wood would step into a starting role at center. Yet, most NBA analysts expect the Lakers to make another deal.

According to Forbes’ NBA insider Evan Sidery, the Lakers are targeting an “athletic, rim-protecting center” on the trade market. Specifically, he says to keep a “very close eye” on Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton and Portland’s Robert Williams.

Many were surprised that the Lakers only had to part with one future first-round pick in the Doncic trade. This means they still have one tradable first-round pick left. We’ll find out soon enough whether that’s enough ammo to strike a trade for their next starting center. The Lakers have until Thursday to strike another deal.

Related: New Reporting Clarifies LeBron James Trade Desires For Los Angeles Lakers After Anthony Davis Departure