Following the New York Knicks’ win in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, and subsequent championship parade, the offseason is finally here. The Los Angeles Lakers once again find themselves looking for a starting caliber center to pair with Luka Doncic this offseason, and try and get themselves into contention in the Western Conference.
The Deandre Ayton experiment was quite the experience with the former No. 1 overall pick showing flashes of his capability throughout the season, but just not being able to make a consistent impact in the way the Lakers needed him to. And while Jaxson Hayes has done an admirable job with that the team has asked of him, and has developed strong on-court chemistry with Luka Doncic, he is best suited for a reserve role.
This is an important offseason for the Lakers as their new franchise star was reportedly told to wait until the summer of 2026 for the team to make a big splash towards building a contending team. And at the top of Doncic’s supposed wishlist is a true A-list center. So here are the Lakers’ top options when it comes to fortifying their frontcourt.
Walker Kessler – Utah Jazz – Restricted free agent
The Lakers rumored interest in Walker Kessler has been reported for a while now, and a report surfaced this week suggesting that he wasn’t quite seeing eye to eye with the Utah Jazz front office when it comes to a new contract. Although Kessler himself refuted reports that he wasn’t happy in Utah, it doesn’t necessarily mean that an agreement on a new contract is close.
Given the current center landscape, Kessler should be the Lakers’ top target. He would immediately solve some major issues in the frontcourt and give the team a starting caliber center whose age matches up with Doncic’s timeline. He was limited to only five games last year due to injury issues, but he’s just scratching the surface of his potential. Through four season in the NBA, he’s averaged 9.5 points and 9.3 rebounds with those numbers jumping to double digits the last two seasons.
But it’s going to take some creativity for the Lakers to get him, provided he doesn’t come to an agreement with the Jazz before the free agency period opens up, as restricted free agents are allowed to do. It would likely have to be a sign-and-trade and that’s up to the team’s front office to try and find a suitable deal for the Jazz.
Jalen Duren – Detroit Pistons – Restricted free agent
Jalen Duren is another restricted free agent whom the Lakers have reported interest in, and is more proven than Kessler. Despite his shortcomings during the Pistons’ playoff run, Duren was named an All-Star for the first time after putting up career numbers. And it’s probably going to be much more difficult to pry him away than Kessler would be.
The Jazz have Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen in their frontcourt. It stands to reason there would be overcrowding if Kessler returns. For the Pistons, they don’t have anyone to replace a budding All-Star who is a game-changing defensive presence. They’re not just going to let him walk and they have no reason to entertain sign-and-trades unless Duren wanted out, which there’s absolutely zero indication that he does.
But if there lies a legitimate possibility that the Lakers could realistically get an All-Star caliber big man averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds, then they would be remiss not to go after him. He’s more of a proven player than Kessler. But again, it’s going to take some creativity to try and lure him away from the Pistons.
Mitchell Robinson – New York Knicks – Unrestricted free agent
One of the major problems with Kessler and Duren is if it did not involve a sign-and-trade and the Lakers go the route of extending an offer sheet, their money is tied up until the Jazz or Pistons decided to match or not. And after that happens, other options will have picked up already leaving the Lakers bare-handed.
In the case of Mitchell Robinson, he is an unrestricted free agent and can agree to terms immediately. The former first-round pick was a revelation during the Knicks’ run to the NBA title, especially in the Finals when he was credited with his defense against San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. After eight seasons in the league and winning a title, perhaps Robinson is ready for a larger, starting role.
While not on the level of Duren and not having the potential of Kessler, Robinson wouldn’t be a bad option for the Lakers if he indeed is open to leaving the Knicks. The team’s defense and rebounding would be miles better than last season, and he is a perfect lob compliment for Doncic. The Lakers need to find out quickly where they stand with the restricted free agents, and if there is no pathway to either, immediately turn their attention to Robinson.
Robert Williams III – Portland Trail Blazers
Another unrestricted free agent, Williams doesn’t come without concerns. The eight-year veteran has played over 60 games only once in his career thus far. But this past season was the healthiest Williams has been in quite some time, thanks to a strong injury management plan.
He suited up in 59 games, the second-most in his career, while averaging 6.7 points and 7.0 rebounds. He shot 70.8 percent from the field. And Williams likely would come on a shorter-term, relatively inexpensive contract as compared to the other options.
It’s a potential high-risk, high-reward type of move. Williams is an impact big man in the NBA, it just hinges on his ability to stay healthy. The Lakers should pursue the aforementioned centers in advance of Williams, but if they are not available, then the former first round pick could be worth the risk.
The post The A-list center Lakers must acquire to satisfy Luka Doncic appeared first on ClutchPoints.
