The Los Angeles Lakers have already set the NBA world ablaze by pulling off the unthinkable: pairing Luka Doncic with LeBron James in one of the most stunning trades in recent history. But as impressive as this move was, the job is far from done.
While Doncic and James form a formidable duo, questions remain about the team’s depth, defensive reliability, and frontcourt presence. With Anthony Davis now gone, the Lakers have glaring needs in areas that could derail their playoff aspirations if left unaddressed.
The clock is ticking, and Rob Pelinka knows the margin for error is razor-thin. The Lakers need to land a starting-caliber center to fill the void left by Davis and a two-way wing to complement their high-usage stars.
While splashy moves might be tempting, the Lakers are limited in assets after their blockbuster trade and must focus on realistic, impactful targets. As the February 6th deadline approaches, let’s rank the players most likely to don the purple and gold—and break down how they could reshape the Lakers’ path to contention.
1. Myles Turner
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Adding Myles Turner would immediately bolster the Lakers’ defense and rebounding, addressing their most glaring need in the absence of Anthony Davis. Turner is one of the league’s premier shot-blockers, averaging 1.9 blocks per game, and provides a strong rim-protecting presence.
On the offensive end, his ability to stretch the floor with a reliable three-point shot (40.0% from deep this season) fits perfectly alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, creating more space for their drives. The Lakers’ current lack of an elite two-way big man makes this move a no-brainer.
The Pacers seem to want Austin Reaves in any trade but if the Lakers can do some convincing, they will hope to only lose Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, and a 2031 first-round pick. While Hachimura provides solid scoring off the bench, his role overlaps with other forwards on the roster, and Wood’s defensive limitations make him expendable.
The 2031 pick feels like a distant gamble for a win-now roster built around aging stars like LeBron. With him in the lineup, the Lakers can match up better against teams with elite big men, such as Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or Chet Holmgren.
2. Nic Claxton
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Nic Claxton is an intriguing target for the Lakers, as he brings elite defensive versatility and youth to a roster that skews older. Claxton is a dynamic rim protector and switchable defender, capable of guarding multiple positions, which is why we floated the trade idea involving the Purple and Gold earlier this week.
Averaging 1.2 blocks per game and shooting an efficient 54.4% from the field, he’s a low-maintenance player offensively who thrives on lobs and finishes around the rim. Claxton’s athleticism would complement LeBron and Luka’s playmaking, making him a perfect fit in a high-paced, pick-and-roll-heavy system.
Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent are solid contributors, but neither offers the defensive upside or youth Claxton brings. The inclusion of a 2031 first-round pick makes this trade slightly costly, but it’s a worthy investment for a player who could become a long-term building block alongside Luka Doncic.
The Lakers desperately need a big man who can excel in both the pick-and-roll and as a defensive anchor, and Claxton checks both boxes without requiring heavy usage on offense. Claxton would give the Lakers a modern center who can run the floor, finish plays, and protect the rim at an elite level.
3. Nikola Vucevic
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nikola Vucevic
Chicago Bulls Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2031 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
Nikola Vucevic would bring the Lakers an experienced, offensively skilled center capable of stretching the floor. Averaging 19.9 points and 10.4 rebounds this season, Vucevic remains a reliable double-double machine who can also knock down three-pointers (40.1% this season).
His skill set adds versatility to the Lakers’ offense, giving them another weapon to complement LeBron and Luka. The trade cost—Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and a 2031 first-round pick swap—represents a fair balance of value for both sides, especially since the Lakers will likely be unwilling to lose a first-round pick for the 34-year-old center.
Vucevic’s addition would give the Lakers a balanced offensive and defensive presence in the paint. While he’s not the rim protector some other targets are, his scoring and rebounding would address key weaknesses and help elevate the team’s championship aspirations.
It is important to note that the big man will make $21,481,481 next season before hitting free agency, so the Lakers have to weigh their costs. The Lakers considered Vucevic to be a top target after Anthony Davis’ demands, and he might still be on the list following the Doncic trade.
4. Robert Williams
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, 2031 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
Robert Williams has been on the Lakers’ shortlist for most of the season, and adding him would give them a high-energy, defensive-minded big man who thrives in a complementary role. Swapping Gabe Vincent and Christian Wood for a younger, more athletic big like Williams is a smart pivot, especially if the Lakers don’t have to meet the Trail Blazers’ asking price.
According to The Athletic’s Lakers insider Jovan Buha, the Trail Blazers are asking for an unprotected first-round pick, but that doesn’t mean the Lakers should oblige. Putting forward a first-round pick swap seems fair for an unproven center with an extensive injury history.
Regardless, Williams’ ability to contest shots, rebound, and set hard screens would be invaluable to a Lakers team looking to stabilize their interior presence after losing Anthony Davis.
While Williams isn’t much of a scorer, his 65.1% shooting in the paint shows his efficiency when given opportunities close to the rim. The trade package of Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, and a 2031 first-round pick is fair value for a player like Williams, considering his injury history.
5. Steven Adams
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Steven Adams
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Cam Reddish
Steven Adams would bring toughness and physicality to the Lakers’ frontcourt, offering skills they’ve sorely missed since losing Dwight Howard. Known as one of the strongest players in the league, Adams excels at setting hard screens and dominating the boards because he is averaging 5.3 rebounds per game in only 12.5 minutes of action.
His ability to clean up the glass and protect the paint would give the Lakers a stabilizing force on both ends of the floor, particularly against teams with dominant centers. The proposed trade of Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish for Adams feels fair, considering both players have struggled to carve out consistent roles in Los Angeles.
Adams’ impact on winning is undeniable, as seen during Memphis’ recent playoff runs. Adding a player of his caliber would allow the Lakers to maintain their defensive identity while giving LeBron and Luka a reliable partner in the pick-and-roll game.
6. Jakob Poeltl
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jakob Poeltl
Toronto Raptors Receive: Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, 2031 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
Jakob Poeltl would provide the Lakers with an underrated, well-rounded center who thrives in a supporting role. Poeltl’s defensive IQ, shot-blocking, and rebounding (14.4 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG) make him a natural fit alongside stars like LeBron and Luka, as he doesn’t require touches to impact the game. His efficient scoring in the paint (61.1% this season) and ability to facilitate from the high post make him a valuable addition to any lineup.
Giving up Rui Hachimura and Christian Wood (along with a pick swap) for Poeltl may seem steep, but the Lakers gain a defensive upgrade and a more reliable interior presence. Poeltl’s contract is also manageable ($19,500,000 next season with a $19,500,000 player option the following season), making him an appealing target for a team looking to stay competitive long-term.
With Poeltl in the lineup, the Lakers would have a well-balanced frontcourt capable of handling any matchup. His addition would allow them to focus on refining their perimeter defense and offensive spacing, making this a smart move for a team in championship pursuit.
7. Clint Capela
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, 2031 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
Clint Capela brings elite rebounding and rim protection, making him an ideal fit for a Lakers squad looking to shore up their defense. His 9.0 rebounds per game this season rank among the league’s best, and his ability to anchor a defense would take pressure off LeBron and Luka. Capela thrives in the pick-and-roll stemming from his days alongside James Harden and now Trae Young, providing a lob threat that pairs well with both superstars’ playmaking.
The proposed package of Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, and a 2031 first-round pick swap is fair value for Capela, especially given his consistent production. Hachimura and Wood have struggled defensively, making them expendable in a deal for a player who addresses the Lakers’ most urgent needs.
Adding Capela would solidify the Lakers’ interior defense and rebounding, two areas they’ve lacked consistency in all season. His skill set complements the team’s stars, giving them a better chance to compete against the league’s elite big men in the playoffs.
8. Day’Ron Sharpe
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Day’Ron Sharpe
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Cam Reddish, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Day’Ron Sharpe may not have the name recognition of other targets, but his youth and potential make him an intriguing option for the Lakers. Sharpe’s averages of 7.9 points and 6.2 rebounds show his upside as a high-energy big man.
He’s a physical presence in the paint and thrives on hustle plays, making him a valuable addition to the Lakers’ rotation. Losing a 2031 first-round pick might seem like a lot for Sharpe, but the Lakers would gain a developmental piece who fits their long-term plans alongside Luka Doncic.
While Sharpe isn’t a star, his rebounding, and physicality would fill a crucial need for the Lakers. He’s a low-cost, high-upside option who can grow into a bigger role while contributing right away in a backup capacity.
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