The Los Angeles Lakers are on the hunt for a big man to beef up their frontcourt. Rumor has it they’re eyeing guys like Jonas Valanciunas, Walker Kessler, and Robert Williams. But as of now, no big moves are on the horizon.
The Lakers are at a crossroads: should they trade away future picks to snag a backup center, which might limit their options down the line? Or should they tackle their main issue—transition defense—in other ways? For now, they’re rolling with Jaxson Hayes or Christian Koloko and going small, with Rui Hachimura and LeBron James stepping in at forwards when Anthony Davis needs a breather.
With the trade deadline creeping up, the Lakers are exploring all avenues to boost their squad. Let’s dive into the top 10 center targets and how the Lakers might reel them in.
1. Nic Claxton
Potential Trade Offer For Nic Claxton: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2030 Second-Round Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick
Nic Claxton would be an incredible addition for the Lakers if they’re looking to plug their defensive gaps and add some versatility to their frontcourt. The guy has been locking down the paint for the Nets this season, putting up 8.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. He’s one of those rare bigs who can both protect the rim and keep up with guards on the perimeter, making him a perfect fit for the Lakers’ defensive schemes.
On the flip side, Claxton is currently out with a lower back strain, which has to make you pause before trading valuable assets. Still, his upside is hard to ignore. He just signed a four-year, $100 million deal, so the Lakers would be taking on a decent-sized contract, but he’s young and productive enough to make it worth it.
For the Nets, the trade makes sense if they’re ready to pivot. At 5-9, they’re hanging around the lower tier of the East and might consider this the right time to stockpile assets. Adding D’Angelo Russell would give them a veteran guard who can help steady their offense, while Gabe Vincent adds some backcourt depth and defense. Throw in a first-rounder in 2029 and a couple of seconds, and the Nets might decide it’s time to cash in on Claxton while his value is high.
For the Lakers, Claxton could be the guy who takes their defense to the next level. He’d pair beautifully with Anthony Davis, covering for each other in the paint while allowing LeBron to roam more freely on the perimeter. Offensively, he doesn’t need the ball to be effective—he’s happy running the floor, catching lobs, and crashing the boards. The only question is whether the Lakers are willing to part with future assets to bring him in, especially with his recent injury.
2. Walker Kessler
Potential Trade Offer For Walker Kessler: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jaxson Hayes, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
Walker Kessler has become one of the most promising young centers in the league, and it’s no surprise that the Lakers are reportedly interested in him. The Jazz big man is putting up 9.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game this season, proving he’s a defensive anchor with an ability to protect the rim and dominate the glass. For a Lakers team that’s struggled with interior defense and transition rebounding, Kessler feels like a natural fit.
There have been murmurs about the Lakers targeting Kessler, especially as they search for a long-term solution at the center position behind—or alongside—Anthony Davis. The Jazz, sitting at a disappointing 3-9 this season, are still in the middle of a rebuild. If the Jazz decide to focus on accumulating more young assets and picks, Kessler could become available for the right price. For the Lakers, that price could look like Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jaxson Hayes, and two future first-round picks (2029 and 2031).
For the Jazz, this would be a tough decision. Kessler is only 23 and under contract at an extremely affordable $2.97 million this season, with a team option for $4.8 million next year. He’s the kind of player you can build around for years. But if the Jazz aren’t sold on his long-term fit or see value in flipping him for multiple assets, this deal could help accelerate their rebuild. Adding Hood-Schifino gives them a young guard with upside, Hayes could fill a rotational role, and two first-round picks sweeten the deal.
For the Lakers, the move would address a glaring need. Kessler’s elite shot-blocking and rebounding would give the team a defensive identity when Anthony Davis isn’t on the floor, and his ability to run the floor and finish lobs fits perfectly with LeBron’s playmaking. At the same time, his age and contract make him a rare win-now and future-focused addition. The Lakers would need to stomach the cost of sending out two first-rounders, but the payoff could be worth it.
The rumors linking Kessler to the Lakers suggest they’re serious about fixing their issues in the frontcourt. While a deal isn’t imminent, keeping an eye on Utah’s direction as the season progresses will be crucial.
3. Myles Turner
Potential Trade Offer For Myles Turner: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick
Myles Turner feels like a match made in heaven for the Lakers. The Pacers big man is averaging 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while knocking down threes at a respectable clip. He’s exactly the kind of center the Lakers need—someone who can protect the rim, stretch the floor, and fit seamlessly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Turner is on an expiring contract, earning $20 million this season. That makes him an intriguing trade piece for Indiana, especially if they don’t see him as part of their long-term future. The Pacers are sitting at 6-7, stuck in that middle ground where they’re competitive but not exactly contending after a surprise trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. If they’re willing to move Turner, they’ll want to get something valuable back before he potentially walks in free agency.
A package of Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a 2029 first-round pick could get the job done. Hachimura offers the Pacers a young forward with offensive upside, and Vanderbilt gives them a defensive-minded, high-energy piece to plug into their rotation. Throw in the pick, and it’s a deal that might tempt the Pacers to let Turner go.
From the Lakers’ perspective, Turner solves a lot of their problems. He’d give them a legitimate shot-blocking presence next to Davis, while his three-point shooting creates spacing the Lakers badly need. Plus, having him around means Davis can slide back to power forward more often, a position he’s openly said he prefers.
The tricky part is giving up two rotation players in Hachimura and Vanderbilt. That would leave the Lakers thinner on the wing, which is already a concern for this roster. But with Turner on an expiring deal, the Lakers might be willing to gamble, knowing they’d have the inside track to re-sign him next summer.
The rumors around Turner and the Lakers have been swirling for what feels like forever, and it makes sense why. If the Pacers are open to talking, this is a deal the Lakers should absolutely consider pulling the trigger on.
4. Nikola Vucevic
Potential Trade Offer For Nikola Vucevic: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick
Nikola Vucevic is quietly putting together a solid season for the Bulls, averaging 21.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists through 13 games. He’s doing what he does best—scoring efficiently, grabbing boards, and giving the Bulls a reliable offensive option in the paint and beyond. For a Lakers team needing size and consistent production at center, Vucevic would fit like a glove.
The Bulls are in a weird spot right now. They’re 5-9 and surprisingly showing some confidence as a playoff team. After trading Alex Caruso to the Thunder for Josh Giddey and losing DeMar DeRozan in free agency, it feels like the Bulls are slowly heading towards a rebuild still. With Vucevic on a $21 million contract, they might be open to flipping him for assets before risking losing him for nothing in the 2026 offseason.
Sending Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a 2029 first-round pick might be enough to get it done in the Lakers’ side. The Bulls get two versatile forwards who fit their younger core and a future first-rounder to help with the rebuild. For the Lakers, they get a big man who can give them scoring, rebounding, and floor spacing—plus, he’s got playoff experience.
The fit in L.A. is pretty straightforward. Vucevic slots in perfectly next to Anthony Davis, letting him focus more on defense and play in his preferred power forward role. Vucevic’s ability to stretch the floor would open up the paint for LeBron, and his rebounding would help the Lakers clean up on the boards.
The downside? Losing two rotation players in Hachimura and Vanderbilt hurts their depth, especially on the wings. And giving up another first-round pick limits their future flexibility. But if the Lakers are all-in on winning now, adding a reliable, experienced center like Vucevic might be the move that pushes them into serious contention.
5. Jonas Valanciunas
Potential Trade Offer For Jonas Valanciunas: Gabe Vincent, 2030 Second-Round Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick
Jonas Valanciunas is putting up solid numbers for the Wizards this season, averaging 12.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He’s a steady veteran presence who can anchor the paint, rebound at a high level, and chip in offensively—exactly the kind of player the Lakers could use to shore up their frontcourt.
The Wizards signed Valanciunas to a three-year, $30.3 million deal this offseason, with $20.3 million guaranteed. However, there are already rumors that they brought him in with the intention of flipping him for assets. With the Wizards in the early stages of a rebuild, moving Valanciunas for picks or younger players aligns perfectly with their long-term plans.
A trade sending Gabe Vincent and two future second-round picks (2030 and 2031) could get it done. For the Wizards, Vincent is a capable guard who adds depth, while the picks provide valuable pieces for their rebuild. For the Lakers, Valanciunas offers a strong interior presence to back up Anthony Davis or even play alongside him in bigger lineups.
Valanciunas’ $9.9 million salary this season makes him relatively easy to acquire without breaking the Lakers’ cap flexibility. Plus, the cost in assets is manageable—no first-round picks or major contributors would need to be sacrificed.
The Wizards seem focused on building around their younger core, and with Valanciunas reportedly available, the Lakers might have the perfect opportunity to address their frontcourt needs while helping the Wizards accelerate their rebuild.
6. Brook Lopez
Potential Trade Offer For Brook Lopez: Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via LAC)
Brook Lopez is still doing his thing at 36, averaging 10.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks this season. He’s not just a rim protector—his three-point shot is legit, and that’s rare for a guy his size. On the Lakers side, Lopez could be the perfect fit as a big man who can help fix their defensive issues while giving LeBron and AD more space to work offensively.
The Bucks, though? They’re a mess right now. At 4-9, they’re sitting near the bottom of the East, which is way below where they were supposed to be. There’s already talk about the Bucks shaking things up amid some Giannis’ rumors, and Lopez—on a two-year, $48 million deal with $23 million owed this season—might be one of the first vets they look to move.
If the Lakers want to make it happen, they’d probably need to offer a package like Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis, and a second-rounder in 2025 since the Bucks are on the second apron and they need to make the money fit. That’s a lot of young pieces, but the Bucks might bite since they’re clearly not competing right now, and those players give them a shot at resetting.
For the Lakers, the fit is too good to ignore. Lopez gives them rim protection, shooting, and a guy who’s been there in the playoffs. Plus, it lets Davis stay at the four, where he’s most comfortable. The downside? Giving up Hood-Schifino and Christie, who both have potential, might sting, especially if Lopez’s age catches up to him.
But let’s be real—the Lakers are in win-now mode. If they think Lopez puts them over the top, it might be worth the gamble. As for the Bucks, it all comes down to whether they’re ready to blow it up and start fresh after this rough start. If they are, this deal could make sense for both sides.
7. Clint Capela
Potential Trade Offer For Clint Capela: Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis
Clint Capela has been doing what he does best this season: locking down the paint and grabbing boards. He’s putting up 10.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while being one of the better rim protectors in the league. For a team like the Lakers, who need a reliable center to fix some of their interior issues, Capela would be a solid addition.
The Hawks, on the other hand, seem to be shifting gears. They’re leaning into their younger core, and Onyeka Okongwu has been waiting for his shot as the full-time starter. Capela is on an expiring $22.3 million contract, so if Atlanta is looking to fully transition to Okongwu and stock up on younger pieces, moving Capela makes sense.
A deal involving Vanderbilt, Christie, Hood-Schifino, and Maxwell Lewis would give the Hawks a group of young players to develop. It aligns with their focus on building for the future while still keeping them competitive in the short term around Trae Young.
For the Lakers, Capela fits perfectly into what they need. He’s a defensive big who can crash the boards, block shots, and set hard screens. Plus, he doesn’t need the ball much, which makes him a seamless fit next to LeBron and Davis.
This trade wouldn’t cost the Lakers any draft picks, which is a huge win for their future flexibility. Sure, giving up young players like Hood-Schifino and Christie isn’t ideal, but with the Lakers in win-now mode, it’s a move that could pay off big this season.
For the Hawks, it’s about handing the keys to Okongwu and maximizing Capela’s value before his contract expires. Both teams get something they need, and it’s a deal that feels like it could work for both sides.
8. Robert Williams III
Potential Trade Offer For Robert Williams II: Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, 2030 Second-Round Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick
Robert Williams III is a defensive beast—blocking shots, grabbing boards, and bringing that energy every team loves. But here’s the catch: he’s had his fair share of injuries. Knee issues have been a recurring theme, and he even had season-ending surgery last year. So, while his talent is undeniable, his health is a bit of a question mark.
Now, looking at the Blazers’ situation, they’ve got a bit of a logjam at the center position. They drafted Donovan Clingan, a promising young big man, and still have Deandre Ayton on the roster. With all this depth, there’s buzz that the Blazers might be open to moving either Williams or Ayton to balance things out.
Bringing in Williams could be a solid move by the Lakers. He’d provide that defensive anchor they’ve been missing. Offering Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and a couple of future second-round picks seems like a fair deal. Vincent and Hayes are solid role players, and those picks could sweeten the pot.
But let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: Williams’ injury history. The Lakers would need to be confident in his health to make this trade worthwhile. If he can stay on the court, he’d be a fantastic addition. But if the injury bug bites again, it could be a gamble that doesn’t pay off.
In the end, it’s about weighing the potential reward against the risk. Williams’ upside is huge, but the Lakers would need to do their homework to ensure they’re making a move that benefits them in the long run.
9. Moritz Wagner
Potential Trade Offer For Moritz Wagner: Gabe Vincent, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via LAC), 2030 Second-Round Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick
Mo Wagner has been having a solid season with the Magic, averaging 12.6 points and 4.4 rebounds while playing a key bench role. He’s a guy who can hit threes, provide hustle, and fill in gaps wherever needed. The Magic are stacked in the frontcourt, though, with Wendell Carter Jr. locked in as the starter and Goga Bitadze giving solid minutes. With all that depth, Wagner might be the odd man out when it comes to playing time.
On the trade front, sending Gabe Vincent and three second-round picks (2025 via LAC, 2030, and 2031) could get the job done. Vincent would give the Magic a backup guard with playoff experience, and those extra picks sweeten the deal as they keep building their young core.
This kind of move could work out for both sides. Wagner brings versatility and shooting to any lineup, and his ability to stretch the floor makes him valuable in today’s game. The Magic, meanwhile, would get some guard depth and future assets while clearing up the logjam in their frontcourt.
Wagner’s the kind of player who might not make headlines, but he could quietly be the piece that makes a big difference when rotations tighten up later in the season.
10. Zach Collins
Potential Trade Offer For Zach Collins: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Cam Reddish
Zach Collins hasn’t exactly been lighting it up this season for the Spurs. He’s averaging just 6.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists through 14 games—numbers that are more “solid bench guy” than “game-changer.” Still, he’s got some tools. He can stretch the floor, play decent defense, and bring a bit of toughness in the paint.
The Spurs, sitting at 6-8, are deep in rebuild mode. They’re all-in on giving Victor Wembanyama the keys to the franchise, and Collins is kind of the odd man out. With Jeremy Sochan taking on more responsibilities and San Antonio loaded with young talent, moving Collins makes sense, especially if they can get some pieces that fit their long-term plans.
A deal sending Vanderbilt, Hood-Schifino (a raw prospect with upside), and Cam Reddish (a classic “maybe he’ll figure it out” player) feels like something the Spurs might bite on. It gives them a high-energy defender in Vando, a potential developmental project in Hood-Schifino, and a wing who could still turn into something if the stars align.
Collins isn’t a flashy addition, but he fills a need. The Lakers are short on reliable big men, and while Collins isn’t a star, he’s a serviceable rotation piece who can help space the floor and give Davis a break from banging in the paint every night. Plus, his $16.7 million contract isn’t a killer, so it doesn’t lock them into a long-term commitment.
This move wouldn’t shift the balance of power in the West, but it’s the kind of under-the-radar trade that could solidify the Lakers’ depth and give them more lineup flexibility. It’s not about making a splash—it’s about filling gaps and getting the most out of their roster.
