The Los Angeles Lakers have never been afraid to swing big. After pulling off the league-shaking trade for Luka Doncic, the front office made it clear they’re in full championship-or-bust mode. But for all the star power LeBron James and Luka bring, there’s still one massive issue—they don’t have a legitimate center.
Right now, Jaxson Hayes is the de facto starter, and the team recently brought in Alex Len after cutting an underwhelming Christian Wood. That’s not going to cut it, especially when you have two playmakers who thrive with an elite roll man.
The Lakers need a true lob threat who can protect the rim, defend at a high level, and hold his own in the playoffs. With that in mind, here are five perfect centers the Lakers could pursue this summer to fill the biggest hole in their lineup.
1. Myles Turner
Potential Sign-And-Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish, 2031 First-Round Pick
2024-25 Season Stats: 15.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.8 BPG
Myles Turner has been linked to the Lakers for years, and this summer could finally be the time they land him. The Pacers’ shot-blocking big man is averaging 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game this season while shooting 37.6% from three, making him one of the most well-rounded centers in the league.
Turner’s ability to space the floor would be a perfect complement to LeBron and Luka, keeping driving lanes open while also providing elite rim protection. Turner alters shots all over the paint, something the Lakers desperately need with their current lack of interior defense.
Beyond his skill set, Turner’s contract situation makes him an intriguing target. He’s locked in at $19,928,500 this season but he will be a free agent this summer, meaning the Lakers would have to engage in a sign-and-trade for the big man.
The Pacers, despite their playoff push, might be willing to move him if they believe Obi Toppin or Isaiah Jackson can take on bigger roles. If Los Angeles can offer the right package—perhaps centered around Rui Hachimura and a pick—Turner could finally bring the Lakers the floor-spacing rim protector they’ve been missing.
2. Nic Claxton
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2031 First-Round Pick
2024-25 Season Stats: 10.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Nic Claxton has become one of the most impactful defensive centers in the NBA, averaging 10.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 54.6% from the field. His ability to switch onto guards, contest shots at the rim, and thrive as a pick-and-roll finisher would make him an ideal fit in Los Angeles.
The Lakers have struggled all season to contain athletic bigs, and Claxton would instantly fix that issue with his mobility and shot-blocking instincts. He’s also a devastating lob target, something Luka and LeBron would love to utilize in transition and the half-court.
The main obstacle here is Brooklyn’s willingness to move him. Claxton will make $25.4 million, $23.1 million, and $20.9 million over the next three seasons and if the Nets decide to reset, the Lakers could swoop in with a hefty offer that will likely include Rui Hachimura and fillers including a first-round pick.
His youth (just 25 years old) and defensive versatility would make him an excellent long-term option, giving L.A. the frontcourt balance they currently lack. If Rob Pelinka can find a way to land him, Claxton could be a game-changer for the Lakers’ title hopes.
3. Walker Kessler
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Walker Kessler
Utah Jazz Receive: Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Round Pick
2024-25 Season Stats: 11.3 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.4 BPG
Walker Kessler might not have the same offensive polish as some of the other names on this list, but his defensive impact is undeniable. The 7-footer is averaging 11.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in Utah while playing 30.4 minutes a night.
His shot-blocking instincts are among the best in the league, and he would hold down the fort perfectly. Kessler thrives in a drop-coverage scheme, allowing L.A. to keep a true rim protector on the floor at all times without forcing Alex Len or Rui Hachimura to play center full-time.
The challenge with acquiring Kessler is that the Jazz still value him highly. He’s only 23 years old and on a cheap rookie contract ($4,878,938 next season), meaning Utah has no immediate reason to move him. If the Lakers get him, it would involve Knecht and their full remaining picks, although there isn’t a guarantee they would get him.
However, if the Lakers can do some convincing as they did with Nico Harrison and the Mavericks—Danny Ainge might be willing to listen. Kessler wouldn’t be the flashy addition some fans want, but he’d be a rock-solid defensive anchor who perfectly fits what the Lakers need.
4. Jonas Valanciunas
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jonas Valanciunas
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 First-Round Pick
2024-25 Season Stats: 11.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG
If the Lakers are looking for a more traditional big man with an offensive punch, Jonas Valanciunas could be the perfect fit. The veteran center is averaging 11.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game this season while shooting 54.6% from the field.
Unlike many rim-running centers, Valanciunas has a polished post-game, a reliable mid-range shot, and even sometimes stretches out to the three-point line. He’d give the Lakers a physical presence down low and a scoring option in the paint, which would be valuable when Luka and LeBron aren’t on the floor.
The biggest concern with Valanciunas is his defensive mobility. At 32 years old, he’s not the switchable big that modern teams often prioritize, and he can struggle against quicker opponents in pick-and-rolls.
However, the Lithuanian could still be a valuable asset in the right system, and the Kings might move him this summer if they can bring back Vanderbilt and a first-round pick. Valanciunas will make $10.4 million next season and $10.0 million the year after, so the Lakers could handle that salary cap hit for their new starting center.
5. Robert Williams III
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams III
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Cam Reddish, 2031 First-Round Pick
2024-25 Season Stats: 5.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.6 BPG
Robert Williams III, on a salary that will pay him $13.3 million next season, is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward option. When healthy, he’s one of the best defensive centers in the NBA, capable of altering shots at the rim, switching onto guards, and cleaning up on the offensive glass.
His athleticism and lob-finishing ability would make him a seamless fit with LeBron and Luka, and his ability to erase defensive mistakes would be invaluable for the Lakers. The issue, of course, is health.
Williams has struggled with knee injuries throughout his career and has barely played this season for Portland with only 19 appearances. Acquiring him would be a gamble, but if the price is right—perhaps a lower-cost trade or a prove-it contract—he could be an absolute steal.
The Lakers have a history of taking chances on injury-prone bigs (Dwight Howard, DeMarcus Cousins), and Williams might be worth the risk. If he can stay on the court, he’d give L.A. exactly what they need—a dynamic shot-blocker and elite lob threat.
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