The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024–25 season, once brimming with hope after the blockbuster acquisition of Luka Doncic, ended in disappointment and exposed a glaring weakness: the absence of a true center. Their first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves was not just a defeat, but an indictment of their current roster construction and a signal that the franchise faces a pivotal offseason with limited resources and high expectations. For more insight into this postseason fallout and what comes next, tune in with the NBA show, where the trade breakdown and roster holes are being dissected daily, or read on.
The Center Problem: A Glaring Void
Throughout the five-game series loss to Minnesota, the Lakers were consistently outmuscled and outmaneuvered in the paint. The Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert delivered a dominant performance in the clinching Game 5, posting playoff career highs while the Lakers were left scrambling for answers inside. Coach JJ Redick often sacrificed size to maximize spacing and quickness, benching nominal center Jaxson Hayes and starting smaller forwards. The result was a rebounding deficit and a lack of rim protection that Minnesota exploited mercilessly.
General Manager Rob Pelinka publicly acknowledged the issue, stating that finding a center who can serve as a vertical threat, protect the rim, and anchor the defense is a primary objective for the offseason. The void left by trading Anthony Davis for Doncic was never filled, and the Lakers’ inability to secure rebounds or deter drives to the basket was a decisive factor in their early playoff exit.
The Lakers’ search for a solution is complicated by their lack of draft capital and limited cap flexibility. Their only pick in the upcoming draft is No. 55 overall, deep in the second round, and their first-rounder is headed to Atlanta as part of the fallout from past trades. This severely restricts their ability to add young, cost-controlled talent or use picks as trade assets for a proven big man.
The Luka Doncic Era: Building Around a New Star
The arrival of Luka Doncic was supposed to usher in a new era of Lakers basketball, pairing him with LeBron James to form one of the NBA’s most formidable duos. Doncic’s offensive brilliance was evident, but the supporting cast proved inadequate against elite competition, especially in the frontcourt.
Doncic is expected to sign a long-term extension with the Lakers when he becomes eligible in August, with the franchise making it clear he is the centerpiece of their future. Multiple contract structures are available, but the expectation is that Doncic will commit to a deal that keeps him in Los Angeles for the prime of his career. The Lakers’ challenge is to maximize their championship window with Doncic by surrounding him with the right blend of size, defense, and shooting, following the blueprint that helped Dallas reach the NBA Finals in 2024.
The need for a starting-caliber center is not just about defense; it’s also about optimizing Doncic’s offensive game. A rim-running, lob-catching big man who can protect the paint and set hard screens is essential for unlocking Doncic’s playmaking and creating space for shooters. The Lakers’ current roster lacks such a player, and internal options like Hayes have not proven up to the task.
LeBron James: The Window Remains Open—For Now
Amid the uncertainty, one constant remains: LeBron James is widely expected to return for at least one more season, possibly two. While James, now 40, was noncommittal in the immediate aftermath of the playoff loss, league insiders and family members have indicated he is preparing for a 23rd NBA season, motivated in part by the prospect of playing alongside his son Bryce, who could be draft-eligible in 2026.
James’ continued presence gives the Lakers a narrow but significant window to contend, provided they can quickly retool the roster. His partnership with Doncic offers immense offensive firepower. Still, the team’s defensive shortcomings—especially at center—must be addressed to avoid squandering what could be the final years of LeBron’s storied career.
JJ Redick: A Promising but Inexperienced Coach
The Lakers’ coaching situation adds another layer of complexity. JJ Redick, hired with no prior NBA coaching experience, brought energy, a fresh perspective, and a commitment to modern basketball principles. His first season saw moments of promise, including a 50-win campaign and stretches of elite defense, but also exposed his inexperience, most notably in the playoffs, where his controversial rotation decisions and reluctance to use his bench drew criticism and may have contributed to the team’s downfall.
Redick himself has acknowledged the steep learning curve, vowing to reflect and improve after his rookie season on the sidelines. The Lakers’ front office remains confident in his long-term potential, but the pressure to win in Los Angeles is relentless, and Redick’s ability to adapt and grow will be scrutinized from day one next season.
The Draft Dilemma: Limited Capital, Limited Options
Perhaps the most sobering reality facing the Lakers is their depleted draft capital. Years of win-now trades have left them with only a late second-round pick in 2025, and most of their future first-rounders are either owed to other teams or tied up in swap rights. This leaves the Lakers with few avenues to add impact talent through the draft or to use picks as sweeteners in trades for established players.
The front office will need to be creative, relying on expiring contracts, marginal assets, and the lure of Los Angeles to attract free agents or facilitate trades. Potential center targets like Nic Claxton, Jakob Poeltl, or even a reunion with Rudy Gobert will require shrewd negotiation and, likely, the sacrifice of rotation players such as Austin Reaves. The Lakers’ margin for error is slim, and every move will be critical.
Conclusion: Few Options, High Stakes
The Lakers’ embarrassing first-round exit has laid bare the urgent need for a true center and a broader roster overhaul. With LeBron James likely to return and Luka Doncic poised to sign a long-term extension, the core is in place for another run at contention. However, the combination of a rookie head coach, a dearth of draft capital, and a top-heavy roster means the Lakers have little room to maneuver.
The franchise’s history suggests they will find a way to make noise, even when the odds are stacked against them. Whether through an unexpected trade, a savvy free-agent signing, or the internal development of overlooked players, the Lakers will look to surprise the league once again. But make no mistake: the path back to championship contention is narrow, and the stakes have never been higher for one of basketball’s most storied teams.
