The Los Angeles Lakers set themselves up for the post-LeBron James era with the Luka Doncic trade. With the co-stars returning for the 2025-’26 NBA season, the front office is now focused on building a championship-caliber core around them.
According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints.com the Lakers’ president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka is ‘especially active’ in making calls around the league, with the team emphasizing its need for centers.
Related: Insider Reveals Los Angeles Lakers’ Stance on an Austin Reaves Trade
Notably, the Lakers’ front office believes it needs to add multiple centers to the roster this summer. Of note, per Irwin, at least one Eastern Conference team believes Los Angeles is working from a disadvantageous position because everyone knows how desperate they are.
Pelinka already checked in with the Atlanta Hawks on center Onyeka Okongwu, an inquiry that was quickly rejected. The organization has also been linked to Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen and Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton.
Related: Most Realistic Big Man Targets for Los Angeles Lakers
While there are some quality centers likely to be available NBA free agency – Naz Reid, Myles Turner and Brook Lopez – they’ll all likely be outside the Lakers’ price range. It leaves a trade as the only avenue, which again is where Pelinka has to negotiate with teams who know the desperate position he’s in.
Fortunately, the Lakers still have some trade assets to work with headlined by a 2031 unprotected first-round picks and swap rights in future years (2026, 2028 and 2030). Whatever deal is made for a center, it’s become evident that NBA teams will try and force the Lakers into overpaying.
Read More: Best NBA Players Ever, Including Los Angeles Lakers Icons