The Los Angeles Lakers are very interested in acquiring a new starting center to pair alongside Anthony Davis to go bigger with more defensive presence. While we do not know who the Lakers’ new head coach will be, the Lakers need to move Davis back to his natural power forward position and go back to the style that won them the 2019-20 NBA championship. Luckily for the Lakers, there are eight centers the Lakers can target via trade, free agency, and the NBA Draft.
1. Jarrett Allen
How Lakers Can Acquire Jarrett Allen: Via Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jarrett Allen
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2024 NBA Draft No. 17 Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
Acquiring Jarrett Allen would significantly enhance the Lakers’ interior defense and rebounding prowess. His shot-blocking ability and defensive instincts would allow Anthony Davis to take more risks and roam on defense, creating a formidable frontcourt that can dominate the paint. This past season, the defensive star averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game on 63.4% from the field. Allen’s proficiency in the pick-and-roll would provide a reliable offensive option near the rim, complementing Davis’ versatility and mid-range game.
In the Lakers’ schemes alongside LeBron James and Davis, Allen would excel as a defensive anchor and lob threat. His presence would enable Davis to shift to his preferred power forward position, maximizing his offensive impact. LeBron would benefit from Allen’s screens and ability to finish at the rim, creating more spacing and options in pick-and-rolls. Allen is also 26 years old so he fits into the long-term plan as well.
2. Myles Turner
How Lakers Can Acquire Myles Turner: Via Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2024 NBA Draft No. 17 Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
Myles Turner would bring a unique blend of shot-blocking and floor-spacing to the Lakers’ frontcourt. His ability to protect the rim while also stepping out to hit three-pointers would complement Anthony Davis perfectly. Playing on a high-pace Pacers team this year, Turner averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game on 35.8% from three. Turner’s presence would allow Davis to play more freely on both ends, knowing there’s another elite defender behind him.
Offensively, Turner’s shooting would create additional spacing, giving Davis more room to operate inside and making it harder for defenses to collapse on the Lakers’ stars. Turner’s fit with LeBron James and Davis in the Lakers’ system would be seamless. Defensively, Turner and Davis together would form an imposing shot-blocking duo, making it difficult for opponents to score in the paint.
3. Nic Claxton
How Lakers Can Acquire Nic Claxton: Via Sign-and-Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2024 NBA Draft No. 17 Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
Nic Claxton would provide the Lakers with a youthful, energetic presence in the paint. Known for his shot-blocking and defensive prowess, Claxton would complement Anthony Davis’ all-around defensive game, creating a formidable frontcourt duo. Claxton’s mobility and ability to guard multiple positions would allow the Lakers to switch more effectively on defense, disrupting opposing offenses.
The 25-year-old is a free agent this summer and could be acquired in a sign-and-trade situation with the Brooklyn Nets who could be looking to rebuild. The center posted 11.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game this past season without the presence of a floor general on the level of LeBron James to get him easy lob finishes. Claxton’s youth and energy would bring a new level of athleticism to the Lakers, making them more dynamic and versatile.
4. Clint Capela
How Lakers Can Acquire Clint Capela: Via Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Clint Capela would bring a strong defensive presence and elite rebounding (11.5 RPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG) to the Lakers. Known for his shot-blocking and ability to control the boards, Capela would provide the Lakers with a reliable anchor in the paint. Pairing him with Anthony Davis would create a dominant defensive frontcourt capable of shutting down opposing offenses. Offensively, Capela’s prowess in the pick-and-roll and his ability to finish around the rim would complement Davis’ versatile scoring abilities, making the Lakers a more formidable team inside.
In the starting lineup, Capela would excel as a pick-and-roll partner and rim protector. His ability to set solid screens and roll hard to the basket would create more space for LeBron and Davis to operate. The Atlanta Hawks will likely rebuild with the No. 1 overall pick this season alongside Trae Young and could be willing to bring back the 26-year-old Hachimura and 21-year-old Jalen Hood-Schifino.
5. Jonas Valanciunas
How Lakers Can Acquire Jonas Valanciunas: Via Free Agency
Mid-Level Contract: $5,183,000, 1-Year Deal
Jonas Valanciunas (12.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 0.8 BPG) would add a physical presence and scoring punch to the Lakers’ frontcourt. His ability to score in the post and rebound effectively would provide Anthony Davis with a strong partner down low. Valanciunas’ size and strength would allow Davis to play more on the perimeter, where he can use his versatility to stretch defenses.
Defensively, Valanciunas would offer solid rim protection and rebounding, ensuring the Lakers control the paint and limit second-chance opportunities for opponents. Convincing the 12-year veteran to accept a mid-level contract won’t be the easiest thing to do, but Valanciunas can be guaranteed a starting spot and a chance to win a championship.
6. Andre Drummond
How Lakers Can Acquire Andre Drummond: Via Free Agency
Veteran’s Minimum Contract: $3,644,798, 1-Year Deal
Andre Drummond would bring elite rebounding and interior defense (8.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG in 17.1 MPG) to the Lakers. Known for his ability to dominate the glass, Drummond would provide the Lakers with second-chance opportunities and secure defensive rebounds. Pairing him with Anthony Davis would create a formidable defensive duo, with Drummond protecting the rim and Davis using his versatility to disrupt opposing offenses.
Drummond’s fit with LeBron James and Davis would enhance the Lakers’ physicality and presence in the paint. His rebounding ability would allow the Lakers to control the boards, giving LeBron more opportunities to push the pace in transition, and considering he only made $3,360,000 this past season, he could take another minimum deal to compete for a championship.
7. James Wiseman
How Lakers Can Acquire James Wiseman: Via Free Agency
Veteran’s Minimum Contract: $2,468,674, 1-Year Deal
James Wiseman would bring youth and potential to the Lakers’ frontcourt. His athleticism and shot-blocking ability would complement Anthony Davis’ defensive game, creating a dynamic duo capable of protecting the rim and controlling the paint. Wiseman’s mobility and ability to run the floor would fit well with Davis’ versatility, allowing the Lakers to play at a faster pace.
Incorporating Wiseman into lineups with LeBron James and Davis would enhance the Lakers’ athleticism and versatility. Wiseman’s potential as a rim protector and lob threat would provide LeBron with another option in pick-and-roll situations. At 23 years old with averages of 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in 2023-24, the center has yet to find his footing in the league and a minimum deal could see him raise his value if he can impact the court alongside James and Davis.
8. Zach Edey
How Lakers Can Acquire Zach Edey: No. 17 Overall Pick In 2024 NBA Draft
Drafting Zach Edey would give the Lakers a towering presence in the paint. Known for his shot-blocking and rebounding, the 7’4” Edey would provide the Lakers with a defensive anchor and a strong interior presence. Pairing him with Anthony Davis would create a formidable frontcourt, with Edey protecting the rim and Davis using his versatility to disrupt opposing offenses.
Edey’s ability to score in the post and his developing mid-range game would complement Davis’ skill set. His size and shot-blocking ability would deter opponents from attacking the basket, while his rebounding would give the Lakers more opportunities to push the pace in transition. The 22-year-old from Canada dominated with Purdue this year, averaging 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, and he could be a perfect choice with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
