The Los Angeles Lakers finally made a roster change by acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton for a package centered around D’Angelo Russell, but they should not be done yet. Time is of the essence for the Lakers to try to win an NBA championship since LeBron James turned 40 years old this week. That is why the franchise has the assets to target a capable center who can protect the rim, provide strength and athleticism, and play a role alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
The Lakers have listed four centers who can fit into their offensive and defensive schemes, Robert Williams, Nick Richards, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Walker Kessler. In order to see how it would be possible for the team to bolster their center depth, we have a trade package for each center and break down how that player fits into the lineup.
Robert Williams II
The Best Lakers’ Package: Jarred Vanderbilt, Cam Reddish for Robert Williams III
Robert Williams is the definition of a defensive anchor, and acquiring him would instantly address the Lakers’ need for rim protection and interior toughness which is why it has been reported that the franchise is interested in his services. Williams has averaged 6.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and shoots an efficient 72.1% from the field this season.
His ability to protect the paint and switch onto perimeter players would complement Anthony Davis perfectly, allowing Davis to roam defensively and conserve energy for offense. Sacrificing Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish may seem steep, but neither player provides the elite defensive impact Williams can bring.
Vanderbilt is an energy guy (who has yet to play a game this season), and while Reddish has shown flashes, his inconsistency makes him expendable. Williams, on the other hand, has proven himself as a championship-caliber center with his role in the Celtics’ Finals run in 2022.
Adding Williams also provides durability insurance for Anthony Davis, whose injury history often limits the Lakers’ interior presence. If the Lakers want to win now while LeBron James still commands the court, they need a player like Williams to solidify their defense and add much-needed size in the postseason. Particularly against teams like the Nuggets who have the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, a player who has terrorized the Lakers over the past few seasons.
Nick Richards
The Best Lakers’ Package: Gabe Vincent, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL) for Nick Richards
Nick Richards offers an underrated but impactful solution for the Lakers at the center position. The 7’0″ big man has quietly become one of the most efficient rebounders in the NBA, averaging 7.8 rebounds in just 21.9 minutes per game this season.
Richards also adds a solid scoring touch around the rim, shooting 56.8% from the field. His physicality and hustle make him a great fit alongside Anthony Davis, especially in lineups where Davis needs to focus on offense.
While Gabe Vincent was brought in during the offseason to bolster the backcourt, his performance has been underwhelming, with averages of just 4.3 points and 0.9 assists per game on 33.0% from three.
Trading Vincent and a future first-round pick for Richards gives the Lakers a young, improving big man who can contribute immediately and grow into a larger role. The pick is a small price to pay for a player who can fill a critical gap on both ends of the floor.
Richards’ ability to crash the boards and contest shots would be invaluable in a playoff series. He brings the grit and toughness the Lakers need to match up against teams with dominant centers, such as Nikola Jokic and Chet Holmgren.
Day’Ron Sharpe
The Best Lakers’ Package: Max Christie, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC) for Day’Ron Sharpe
Day’Ron Sharpe might not be the flashiest name, but his youth and potential make him an intriguing target for the Lakers. The 6’11” big man has been productive in limited minutes for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 6.5 points and 5.4 rebounds in just 15.1 minutes per game this season.
Sharpe’s high motor, physicality, and ability to clean up on the offensive glass would provide the Lakers with much-needed depth in their frontcourt. Trading Max Christie and a second-round pick for Sharpe is a low-risk move for the Lakers.
While Christie has shown flashes of potential, his role in the rotation has been minimal, and the Lakers need immediate impact players more than long-term projects. Sharpe’s energy and rebounding would fit perfectly in a second unit or even starting alongside Davis, giving the Lakers the versatility to mix and match lineups based on their opponent.
Sharpe’s low-cost contract also makes him an attractive addition, preserving the Lakers’ financial flexibility moving forward. While he may not be a starter, his ability to rebound, defend, and provide energy off the bench could prove invaluable in the grind of the postseason.
Walker Kessler
The Best Lakers’ Package: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC) for Walker Kessler
Walker Kessler is arguably the biggest name on this list and would be a game-changing acquisition for the Lakers. The 7’1″ big man has already established himself as one of the league’s premier shot-blockers, averaging 2.8 blocks and 11.0 rebounds per game this season.
His defensive instincts and ability to alter shots make him the ideal complement to Anthony Davis, forming a fearsome frontcourt that would be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Trading a promising youngster like Jalen Hood-Schifino and multiple picks is a significant investment, but Kessler’s upside justifies the cost. Hood-Schifino has potential, but the Lakers are in win-now mode, and Kessler’s immediate impact outweighs the value of developing a guard.
His ability to protect the rim and clean the glass would shore up one of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses, particularly against teams with dominant interior players. Kessler’s youth and affordability also make him a key building block for the post-LeBron era. At just 23 years old, Kessler has the potential to be a cornerstone for the Lakers for years to come, and acquiring him would be a home-run move.
Which Center Would Be The Best Fit For The Lakers?
No doubt, Walker Kessler emerges as the best fit for the Lakers, combining immediate impact, long-term potential, and compatibility with the team’s core. While Robert Williams offers elite defense and experience, his injury history raises concerns about his availability for a deep playoff run.
Nick Richards provides solid rebounding and hustle, but he lacks the overall defensive presence needed for a championship contender. Day’Ron Sharpe is an intriguing young player but doesn’t quite match the ceiling or versatility of Kessler.
Kessler’s ability to protect the rim and rebound at an elite level perfectly complements Anthony Davis. The two would form a dominant defensive duo, allowing Davis to focus more on his offensive role while Kessler handles much of the physical interior play. Additionally, Kessler’s efficiency on offense (67% shooting this season) means he doesn’t need plays run for him, making him an ideal fit alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves, who thrive as playmakers.
Beyond the current season, Kessler provides something none of the other candidates can: a cornerstone for the future. At just 23 years old, he has the potential to grow into one of the league’s premier centers.
Acquiring Kessler would ensure the Lakers remain competitive in the post-LeBron era while significantly boosting their championship chances this season. It’s win-now and win-later move, making him the clear choice for the Lakers as they aim to maximize LeBron’s twilight years and secure their long-term success.
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