A little over 24 hours into the NBA’s official free agency period, it seems as if the Los Angeles Lakers are simply sitting on their hands. Their only addition thus far has been 6-foot-7 forward Jake LaRavia, and they lost key 3-and-D wing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets.

They still have a gaping hole the size of the Grand Canyon at the center position. Deandre Ayton, who agreed to a buyout of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, has been heavily linked to them, but there has been no news regarding him.

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There is now talk that the Lakers are scouring the trade market for a solution at the center position. They have been linked to Nick Richards of the Phoenix Suns, and according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, there are four other big men they’re after.

One of them is Yves Missi, who just completed a promising rookie season and averaged 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 26.8 minutes a game.

“However, new names have emerged in the Lakers’ search for frontcourt talent, specifically Phoenix Suns’ Nick Richards and New Orleans Pelicans’ Yves Missi, sources said,” Siegel wrote.

With Kevon Looney and rookie Derik Queen heading to New Orleans, the team may be willing to let go of Missi for the right price. Missi will make $3.35 million during the 2025-26 season.

Another name to watch, according to Siegel, is Robert Williams III of the Trail Blazers.

“The Lakers have also held trade conversations with the Portland Trail Blazers regarding veteran center Robert Williams III. With the Blazers waiving Deandre Ayton, who is rumored to be another player Los Angeles is gathering more information on, it appears Williams’ price has decreased from where it stood before the trade deadline in February.

“Williams is entering the final year of his contract and will make just $13.2 million during the 2025-26 season.”

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Williams has been injury-prone in his seven seasons in the NBA. But when healthy, he’s an effective rebounder and shot-blocker, and he registered 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 17.6 minutes a game during the 2024-25 campaign, although he appeared in just 20 games.

Finally, Siegel reported that Los Angeles has talked to the Orlando Magic about two of their centers.

“The Orlando Magic are another team the Lakers have contacted regarding Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze, sources said. It is unknown at this time what the extent of these conversations was and whether the Magic are actively listening to offers for Carter, a valuable member of their frontcourt.”

Carter is 26 years of age, and while he isn’t a tremendous shot-blocker, he’s a good rebounder and a strong finisher near the rim.

Bitadze, who will turn 26 on July 20, is an intriguing option. He put up 7.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 20.4 minutes a game this past season, and in particular, he has shown signs of being a beast on the boards.

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While Carter agreed to a three-year, $59 million contract extension in October 2024, Bitadze’s contract will pay him $8.3 million for the 2025-26 season.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers reportedly have four new centers as trade targets