The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into free agency with a clear objective: find a starting-caliber center. After trading for Luka Dončić in February and sending Anthony Davis to Dallas in return, the Lakers have a glaring frontcourt hole—and general manager Rob Pelinka is making no secret that filling it is a top priority.
“Coming off the draft, we’ll be digging deep in meetings upstairs just prepping for free agency,” Pelinka told reporters. “As I said at the end of the year, we know one of the things we have to address is the center position, and that’s clearly gonna be one of our focuses.”
Los Angeles Lakers Zero In on Center Search as Rob Pelinka Promises Aggressive Offseason
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Los Angeles nearly landed Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams at the trade deadline, but the deal was rescinded due to a failed physical. Since then, Williams has been traded to the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers have also shown sustained interest in Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. According to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, a formal offer has been presented, and L.A. remains “super active” in all discussions involving a center.
“There’s been an offer presented for Walker Kessler,” Larsen reported. “The Lakers have shown significant interest all the way back to the trade deadline… It’s on the table right now.”
Shams Charania added on Get Up! that the entire league is waiting to see whether L.A. solves its center issue via trade or free agency. Possible free-agent options include veterans Clint Capela and Brook Lopez.
“We won’t rest until we get it right,” Pelinka vowed.