The Los Angeles Lakers have been on an absolute tear since the trade deadline, climbing to second place in the Western Conference standings before dropping to third. Sources close to the team reveal that Rob Pelinka and company are quietly scouring the free-agent market for additional center depth as the playoff push intensifies.
Failed Williams Trade Creates Frontcourt Void
The Lakers’ center situation became complicated when their planned trade for Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams fell apart due to a failed physical. This setback left a noticeable gap in their frontcourt rotation that could prove problematic in potential playoff matchups against teams with dominant centers. Basketball insiders who closely monitor NBA betting trends on top-rated sports betting sites have seen their championship odds fluctuate as concerns about their frontcourt depth persist.
While Jaxson Hayes has exceeded expectations in the starting role since Anthony Davis departed for Dallas in the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade, the team lacks reliable size and rim protection beyond him. Since taking over the starting job, Hayes has averaged 8.4 points and 7.2 rebounds and has shown flashes of the potential that made him a lottery pick. However, questions remain about his ability to hold up against elite centers like Nikola Jokić or Joel Embiid in a seven-game series.
Internal Options Show Promise But Limitations
The Lakers have attempted to patch the hole with internal solutions, giving Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood extended minutes when available. Vanderbilt’s defensive versatility has been valuable, but at 6’9″, he gives up significant size to true centers. Meanwhile, Wood has struggled with consistency and defensive positioning throughout the season.
The team has also experimented with small-ball lineups featuring LeBron James at the nominal center position, which has been surprisingly effective in short bursts. However, asking Lebron James, who has almost 50,000 points, to bang with centers for extended minutes during a playoff run seems unsustainable.
Potential Targets Remain Under Wraps
While the Lakers have kept their specific targets close to the vest, several veteran big men who could provide immediate help without disrupting team chemistry remain available. The ideal candidate would offer rim protection and rebounding while fitting within the team’s limited financial flexibility—likely on a minimum contract or through the buyout market.
League sources suggest the Lakers have conducted background checks on several veterans, though no workouts have been scheduled yet. The front office is cautious about preserving team chemistry, which has flourished since the Dončić trade transformed the offense.
Championship Window Demands Action
With James and Dončić forming the league’s most dynamic duo, the pressure to maximize this championship window is immense. The Lakers’ offense has been nearly unstoppable, averaging 124.3 points per game during their current winning streak, but defensive concerns against certain matchups could become their Achilles’ heel.
Expect the Lakers’ pursuit of frontcourt reinforcement to intensify as the regular season winds down and playoff positioning becomes clearer. Whether through a surprising late-season signing or an under-the-radar pickup, addressing the center position could be the final piece that transforms this red-hot Lakers team from contender to favorite.
In a Western Conference loaded with talent, margins for error are razor-thin. For a Lakers organization with championship expectations, leaving no stone unturned in the hunt for center depth isn’t just prudent—it’s necessary.
