According to Legion Hoops, the Los Angeles Lakers are still intent on being aggressive in free agency and trade, even after landing Deandre Ayton as their new starting center. They are remaining active in trade talks for a backup big, and emerging as a leading suitor for Damian Lillard. That multi‑front campaign could be the decisive factor in convincing LeBron James to stay put rather than force a trade.
Ayton Begins the Overhaul
After Anthony Davis’s departure last spring, the Lakers’ center spot was a glaring weakness. Enter Deandre Ayton: a two‑year, $16.6 million deal that pays him roughly $34 million in 2025–26, per Shams Charania. Ayton’s arrival restores interior stability, but Los Angeles lost its prior depth when it traded fringe bigs and let end‑of‑bench centers walk.
Pelinka’s Quiet Backup Search
GM Rob Pelinka “is currently exploring trades to land a backup center.” The Lakers have been linked to multiple centers that fit the role they are looking to fill behind Ayton
- Nick Richards — The 7‑footer averaged 9.3 points and 8.2 rebounds in 22 minutes per game with Phoenix, shooting 59.1% from the floor. His consistent finishing and rebounding make him a plug‑and‑play rotation piece.
- Yves Missi — The 2024 draftee posted 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and delivered 116 dunks (nearly 30% of his shots) over 73 games. Missi’s explosive athleticism and defensive potential project as a high‑ceiling developmental asset.
- Robert Williams III — An elite rim protector with 2.1 blocks per game when healthy, Williams embodies the modern two‑way center. Yet his injury history—playing more than 52 games just once in seven seasons—presents significant risk.
Landing any one of these candidates could sharpen the Lakers’ rotation and provide Coach JJ Redick with late‑game flexibility, an essential element for postseason success.
Lillard Remains a Top Free‑Agent Target
At the same time, the Lakers have not shied away from pursuing superstar upgrades. Insider Arash Markazi tweeted that the “Lakers [are] among favorites to land Damian Lillard after Bucks waiver” (@ArashMarkazi via @SportingTrib). When Milwaukee waived Lillard to clear cap space for Myles Turner’s four‑year, $107 million deal, the nine‑time All‑Star guard—fresh off a 24.7 points, 7.3 assists season before a torn Achilles—became prime trade bait.
Eric Nehm, Sam Amick, and Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported, “League sources say the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers would have interest in doing a deal sooner rather than later.” Imagining Lillard alongside Luka Dončić in Los Angeles projects one of the most dynamic backcourts ever, provided both stars can manage their defensive lapses.
LeBron’s Imperative: Active Roster Building
Amid these maneuvers, LeBron has adopted a “wait‑and‑see” stance. NBA Today’s Brian Windhorst noted:
“LeBron’s just chilling and watching the offseason… Do I think he’s going to get traded? No. But if he wanted to get traded, there are teams who would step up and make offers.”
LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, reiterated the superstar’s priorities:
“He wants to compete for a championship… he knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.”
Ayton’s signing, potential backup‑center trades, and a legitimate run at Lillard all signal that Los Angeles shares LeBron’s sense of urgency. Failure to secure that backup center—or missing out on Dame—could push the four‑time NBA champion to reconsider his long‑term home.
The Championship Window Hinges on Bold Moves
The Lakers’ willingness to pursue proven veterans like Ayton, chase high‑upside backups, and court perennial All‐Stars like Lillard underscores a front office committed to maximizing LeBron’s twilight window. As training camp approaches, Pelinka’s next deals may determine whether this summer ends with a strengthened roster—and LeBron James firmly entrenched in purple and gold.