The LA Lakers were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves
Since the exit, the team has been actively involved in talks to bring in a few pieces that can help Luka Doncic and LeBron James compete for a championship.
James and Doncic had a great few weeks together after the blockbuster trade, but the playoffs showed that the LA Lakers lacked depth in their center position.
Rob Pelinka has already stated the team’s priority of bringing a big in the offseason.
Jaxson Hayes showed glimpses of brilliance in the regular season, but in the playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves exposed his weaknesses on the defensive end, which is why the Lakers will be looking to bring a big who can hold his own against the other teams in the league.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks indicated the Lakers were set for an aggressive offseason, but their priority would be the center position.
LA Lakers to go for a big
Luka Doncic and LeBron James are two of the best passers in the NBA.
They flourish alongside a quality big and although Hayes has good offensive habits, he does not have the ability to defend and can be a liability against a quality center.
Speaking on the Lakers’ offseason strategy, Marks said: “I expect them [Lakers] to be extremely aggressive this offseason.
“They showed their hand at the trade deadline when they made that Mark Williams trade, failing him on his physical. They are gonna go out and get a center this offseason, we’ll see how it goes, you’ve got one first-round pick to do that.”
Three centers the LA Lakers can go for in the offseasonNic Claxton
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The Brooklyn Nets’ Nic Claxton is a name that has constantly been linked with the Lakers.
Claxton has been involved in trade rumors for several years now, but with the Nets not able to compete, the 26-year-old could request a trade and go to LA.
He will earn $25 million next year, which is not bad for a player who can play on both ends.
Claxton averaged 10 points last season, but he has consistently proven to be brilliant in the paint on both ends of the floor.
If he plays alongside Doncic and James, Claxton’s offensive game will further elevate and he can also be the defensive presence they need.
Walker Kessler
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Walker Kessler would be the perfect player for the Lakers as not only is he young, but he is also an already proven big in the league.
Although Kessler plays for the Utah Jazz, a team that has struggled, he has shown that he is ready to be a starting center for a contender.
In three seasons, Kessler has never shot below 60% from the field and also averages 2.4 blocks for his career, which is phenomenal.
He was defensive player of the year in college and if he plays for the Lakers, there is no doubt he will fill the void of a quality center.
Daniel Gafford
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Daniel Gafford was Doncic’s teammate when the Slovenian was still with the Dallas Mavericks.
The 26-year-old played the best basketball of his life with Doncic and he would certainly consider moving to LA to once again play alongside the five-time All-Star.
He is a brilliant lob threat, who can also be a rim protector, which he proved in the Mavs’ run to the NBA Finals in 2024.
Gafford is on the last year of his contract and the Mavs could trade him as they have the number one pick, which they will use to draft Cooper Flagg.
Doncic being on the Lakers will be a great incentive for Gafford as he thrives alongside a quality point guard, but the Mavericks will likely leverage the team’s situation of desperately wanting a big.