If there was one picture that summed up the Los Angeles Lakers’ painful first-round exit within the 2025 Playoffs, it was Rudy Gobert flexing after one more offensive rebound and putback. Gobert, a participant identified extra for protection than scoring, dropped 27 factors and grabbed 24 boards in Minnesota’s Recreation 5 closeout win over L.A., sending LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the Lakers residence embarrassingly.
For a franchise constructed on star energy, that type of frontcourt beatdown was a obtrusive signal: the Lakers want extra dimension and toughness within the center in the event that they’re severe about chasing a title in 2025-26.
Commercial
The LeBron-Luka partnership nonetheless has championship potential, however their supporting solid should evolve, beginning at middle. The Lakers merely didn’t have sufficient muscle, rim safety, or rebounding to outlive the West’s rising big-man gauntlet.
If Rob Pelinka needs to maximise LeBron’s closing title window and Luka’s peak, discovering a confirmed middle this summer season is necessary.
The excellent news? The market provides choices. Listed here are 8 confirmed facilities the Lakers might goal within the 2025 offseason to lastly give LeBron and Luka the frontcourt assist they desperately want.
1. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies ahead Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) drives to the basket in opposition to Cleveland Cavaliers middle Jarrett Allen (31) throughout the second half at Rocket Area.Necessary Credit score: Ken Blaze-Imagn Photographs
Proposed Commerce Particulars
Los Angeles Lakers Obtain: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies Obtain: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Spherical Decide, 2026 First-Spherical Decide Swap
Including Jaren Jackson Jr. would deliver an enormous defensive jolt to L.A.’s entrance line. Regardless of Memphis’s tough season, getting swept in Spherical 1 in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jackson nonetheless flashed his trademark rim safety (1.5 blocks per sport) and stretched the ground with 22.2 factors per evening on respectable 37.5% taking pictures from three.
Commercial
His mobility and switchability on protection make him a really perfect anchor subsequent to LeBron and Luka, particularly after watching Rudy Gobert overpower the Lakers within the first spherical. Whereas JJJ has had hassle staying constant offensively, enjoying off two superstars might simplify his function and assist him return to the All-Star kind he confirmed in 2023.
For Memphis, recouping Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht provides them two rotation-ready wings, plus draft property to retool round Desmond Bane. From the Lakers’ standpoint, Jackson’s age (25) and distinctive two-way skillset match the invoice of a title-hunting group attempting to win now with out sacrificing long-term stability.
2. Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers middle Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball in opposition to the Phoenix Suns within the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Necessary Credit score: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit score: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Photographs
Proposed Commerce Particulars
Los Angeles Lakers Obtain: Myles Turner (Signal-and-Commerce)
Indiana Pacers Obtain: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Spherical Decide
Myles Turner stays one of many NBA’s most efficient facilities, and 2024-25 was no completely different: 15.6 factors, 6.5 rebounds, and a couple of.0 blocks per sport whereas taking pictures a crisp 39.6% from deep. His means to guard the rim and stretch the ground makes him tailored to suit between LeBron and Luka.
Commercial
Turner additionally enters free company, and if Indiana pivots towards constructing round their younger core after their playoff success, a sign-and-trade is sensible for each side. His playoff expertise and low-maintenance offensive sport can be a seamless improve over the Lakers’ present middle rotation.
From L.A.’s aspect, packaging Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht is a palatable value to lastly remedy their middle woes. Turner is large enough to deal with the Goberts and Jokics of the world however expert sufficient to keep away from clogging the paint for Luka and LeBron’s drives.
This is able to give JJ Redick the pliability to go massive with out sacrificing spacing, precisely what they lacked in opposition to Minnesota.
3. Nic Claxton
Credit score: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports activities
Proposed Commerce Particulars
Los Angeles Lakers Obtain: Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Obtain: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2031 First-Spherical Decide
Nic Claxton simply wrapped up a stellar season in Brooklyn, averaging 10.3 factors, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per sport whereas ending prime 5 in subject objective share at 56.3%. At simply 26, he provides athleticism and defensive upside that the Lakers sorely missed of their first-round flameout.
Commercial
Claxton thrives as a vertical lob menace, an ideal complement to Luka’s passing wizardry, whereas additionally being one of many league’s switchiest massive males on protection. If Brooklyn opts to pivot towards a rebuild, shifting Claxton whereas his worth is sky-high is sensible.
For the Lakers, giving up Hachimura and Gabe Vincent plus a first-rounder is a stable worth play. Claxton would enable L.A. to return to its 2020 formulation of surrounding LeBron with athletic, defensive-minded bigs whereas conserving Luka’s offensive lanes clear. That is the type of trendy middle improve that might swing postseason matchups.
4. Clint Capela
Jan 25, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks middle Clint Capela (15) inbounds the ball in opposition to the Toronto Raptors throughout the first half at State Farm Area. Necessary Credit score: Dale Zanine-Imagn Photographs Necessary Credit score: Dale Zanine-Imagn Photographs
Proposed Commerce Particulars
Los Angeles Lakers Obtain: Clint Capela (Signal-and-Commerce)
Atlanta Hawks Obtain: Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, 2031 Second-Spherical Decide (LAC)
Clint Capela isn’t the All-NBA-level massive man he was just a few years in the past, however he stays a reliable defensive presence. In 2024-25, he averaged 8.9 factors and eight.5 rebounds, persevering with his streak of elite offensive rebounding (3.2 per sport).
Commercial
After being phased into extra of a veteran function in Atlanta behind Onyeka Okongwu, Capela turns into a practical veteran goal for the Lakers. His playoff toughness and rebounding would have been invaluable in opposition to Minnesota’s bodily entrance line.
L.A. might get him at a discount right here by sending out Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber. Whereas Capela doesn’t stretch the ground, his expertise and rim-running means give the Lakers a purposeful massive who can bang with elite facilities for 20-25 minutes an evening. It is a cheaper answer, however would immediately enhance their rebounding and inside protection.
5. Walker Kessler
Jan 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Utah Jazz middle Walker Kessler (24) shields the ball from New York Knicks middle Karl-Anthony Cities (32) throughout the first half at Madison Sq. Backyard. Necessary Credit score- Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesCredit- Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Photographs
Proposed Commerce Particulars
Los Angeles Lakers Obtain: Walker Kessler
Utah Jazz Obtain: Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Spherical Decide, 2026 First-Spherical Decide Swap
Walker Kessler improved upon his breakout rookie 12 months final season and managed 11.1 factors, 12.2 rebounds, and a couple of.4 blocks per sport in 2024-25. At simply 23, he represents a uncommon mix of upside and confirmed shot-blocking prowess.
Commercial
Utah could be keen to hear, given they’re reportedly prioritizing offensive star energy this offseason. Kessler’s rim safety and vertical spacing match completely subsequent to LeBron and Luka’s drive-and-kick offense.
For the Lakers, flipping Dalton Knecht and a future decide is a robust however smart transfer. Kessler provides them youth and power within the paint whereas sustaining their timeline to win now with out going all-in on an growing older vet. That is the type of savvy pivot L.A. wants after being battered on the boards by Gobert.
6. Onyeka Okongwu
Mar 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks ahead Onyeka Okongwu (17) dunks in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers within the third quarter at State Farm Area. Necessary Credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Photographs Necessary Credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Photographs
Proposed Commerce Particulars
Los Angeles Lakers Obtain: Onyeka Okongwu
Atlanta Hawks Obtain: Rui Hachimura, 2031 First-Spherical Decide (LAL)
Okongwu has quietly emerged as one of many league’s finest younger bigs, averaging 13.4 factors, 8.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks this season whereas hitting 56.7% from the sphere. Atlanta’s frontcourt logjam makes him an intriguing commerce goal, particularly with Capela nonetheless on the roster. Okongwu’s agility and switchability make him a extra trendy match for as we speak’s playoff battles, the place conventional facilities get performed off the ground.
Commercial
For the Lakers, buying Okongwu would inject youth and athleticism into their growing older core whereas conserving LeBron and Luka’s title window huge open. Sacrificing Rui and a decide is steep however value it to safe a middle who can guard in area, end lobs, and convey power on each ends. It’s a long-term and instant win.
7. Jonas Valanciunas
Mar 20, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings middle Jonas Valanciunas (17) controls the ball in opposition to Chicago Bulls middle Nikola Vucevic (9) throughout the first quarter at Golden 1 Heart. Necessary Credit score: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit score: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Photographs
Proposed Commerce Particulars
Los Angeles Lakers Obtain: Jonas Valanciunas
Sacramento Kings Obtain: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 First-Spherical Decide
Valanciunas stays an old-school bruiser, ending the 12 months with 10.4 factors and seven.7 rebounds whereas taking pictures 55.0% from the sphere. His limitations on protection are well-known, however in the suitable setting, like L.A., the place LeBron and Luka management the offense, he can present a steady low-post possibility and elite rebounding.
Commercial
The Kings, after lacking the playoffs not lengthy after buying and selling De’Aaron Fox, could look to get youthful and extra cell, making Valanciunas expendable. For the Lakers, bringing in Jonas would give them the scale they lacked of their first-round loss whereas conserving the offense buzzing.
Sending out Jarred Vanderbilt and a future decide is a manageable value for a veteran middle who can eat minutes and hold them aggressive on the glass.
8. Robert Williams III
Portland Path Blazers middle Robert Williams III (35) grabs a rebound throughout the second half in opposition to LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) at Moda Heart. Necessary Credit score: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit score: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Photographs
Proposed Commerce Particulars
Los Angeles Lakers Obtain: Robert Williams III
Portland Path Blazers Obtain: Jarred Vanderbilt, Shake Milton, 2031 First-Spherical Decide
When wholesome, Robert Williams III is a game-changer. Although he missed most of 2024-25 with extra accidents (20 appearances), his profession averages of 1.7 blocks, elite rim safety, and vertical spacing nonetheless make him an intriguing buy-low candidate. Portland, deep of their rebuild, could be keen to maneuver him for property.
Commercial
The Lakers can gamble on Williams’ upside by providing Vanderbilt and Shake Milton, plus a decide. If he returns to kind, Williams provides L.A. the defensive anchor they desperately want, able to matching up with elite bigs whereas overlaying floor on switches. It’s dangerous, however the potential reward is immense.
Associated: Rob Pelinka Reveals What Sort Of Heart The Lakers Will Look For This Offseason
