NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers have already decided which center they will sign this summer

NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Have Already Decided Which Center They Will Sign This Summer

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic franchises in NBA history, have long been a team that thrives on the spotlight. Whether it’s their storied past with Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant or their current presence with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers are a franchise that constantly seeks greatness. With their roster constantly evolving, one of the most critical decisions they will make this offseason revolves around the center position. For several years now, the Lakers have found themselves in search of stability at the five-spot, but NBA rumors suggest they may already have a clear plan in mind for who they will pursue this summer. In this article, we dive into the possible center options the Lakers are rumored to be eyeing, the strategic importance of the position, and what it could mean for their future.

The Lakers’ Struggle with the Center Position in Recent Years

The Lakers have faced consistent questions about their center position in recent seasons. The combination of LeBron James and Anthony Davis—both of whom are elite forwards—has given the Lakers tremendous versatility, but there has always been a gap when it comes to the five-spot. While Davis is more than capable of playing center in small-ball lineups, his ideal position is power forward. This leaves the Lakers with an ongoing need for a traditional center to help with rebounding, rim protection, and setting screens for their perimeter players.

The team’s attempts to address this issue have included a variety of moves. In 2020, the Lakers added veteran center Dwight Howard and subsequently traded for Marc Gasol. The pairing of Howard’s shot-blocking ability and Gasol’s high basketball IQ provided a formidable duo, particularly during their 2020 championship run. However, as time went on, both players showed signs of decline, with Howard’s minutes being reduced and Gasol ultimately being traded away.

In the following seasons, the Lakers have experimented with several center options, including DeAndre Jordan, Damian Jones, and even Anthony Davis at times. But despite these efforts, the team has never quite found the right fit at the center position. As a result, the Lakers have become a team that often shifts between traditional and small-ball lineups, searching for the perfect balance.

The Importance of a True Center

For a team like the Lakers, the importance of adding a true center cannot be understated. While the NBA has shifted toward positionless basketball, where versatility is key, having a dominant center still has its place—especially in the postseason. The center is responsible for controlling the paint, protecting the rim, and securing rebounds—traits that the Lakers will need if they plan on making a deep playoff run.

Additionally, LeBron James is getting older, and his window for winning championships is closing. This makes every offseason decision critical. Anthony Davis is still in his prime, but his injury history has made it clear that the Lakers need additional help to shoulder the burden. The Lakers’ championship aspirations in the coming seasons will depend heavily on their ability to address this need at center.

With the Lakers’ cap situation, the franchise must make smart and calculated decisions. The right center could be the difference between the Lakers staying competitive or falling behind in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Who Are the Lakers Rumored to Be Targeting?

Now that we understand the importance of finding the right center, the focus shifts to who the Lakers are reportedly targeting this summer. While there are still many questions about the specifics of the offseason market, NBA insiders have speculated on several centers who could fit the Lakers’ needs. Let’s take a look at the top candidates that have surfaced in recent rumors.

1. Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks)

Brook Lopez, the 7-footer for the Milwaukee Bucks, has long been known as one of the best centers in the league at protecting the rim and stretching the floor. While his primary role has been as a shot-blocker and paint protector, Lopez has also developed an outside game that allows him to hit three-pointers with consistency. This versatility makes Lopez a very intriguing option for the Lakers.

The Lakers have often struggled with floor spacing, and Lopez’s ability to stretch the floor would provide LeBron and AD with more room to operate. His elite rim protection would also complement Davis’s skill set, as Davis is more effective when he can roam as a help defender rather than being anchored in the post. Lopez’s defensive presence and offensive versatility make him a perfect fit for the Lakers.

However, the challenge for the Lakers is that Lopez is expected to be a highly sought-after free agent, particularly after his stellar play in the 2021 playoffs, where he helped the Bucks win the NBA title. The Lakers may have competition for his services, but if they are able to land him, Lopez could be a game-changer for their roster.

2. Jakob Poeltl (San Antonio Spurs)

Jakob Poeltl, the 7-footer from the San Antonio Spurs, has been quietly emerging as one of the best young centers in the NBA. Known for his elite defense, Poeltl excels at protecting the rim, grabbing rebounds, and setting solid screens. While he isn’t known for his scoring prowess, Poeltl’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him an appealing option for the Lakers.

Poeltl would provide the Lakers with a more traditional center who excels at what many teams consider the fundamentals: rebounding, rim protection, and interior defense. With LeBron and Davis handling the scoring duties, Poeltl could fit into a complementary role, where his defense and rebounding would be highly valued.

The problem with Poeltl, however, is his impending restricted free-agent status. The Spurs may look to retain him, and other teams might make a run at him as well. But if Poeltl becomes available, the Lakers would be wise to consider him as an option to fill their center spot.

3. Deandre Ayton (Phoenix Suns)

Deandre Ayton, the 7-footer for the Phoenix Suns, has been at the center of trade rumors for quite some time now. After an up-and-down season with the Suns, Ayton’s future with the team remains uncertain. Ayton is a talented center who can score in the paint, grab rebounds, and provide a solid rim protection presence. His combination of size and skill makes him one of the more promising young centers in the NBA.

For the Lakers, Ayton would bring a strong presence in the middle, which they desperately need. His scoring ability in the post, combined with his ability to protect the rim, would allow Davis to focus on his preferred power forward position. Moreover, Ayton’s ability to roll to the basket on pick-and-roll plays would be a perfect complement to LeBron’s playmaking abilities.

However, the Lakers’ path to acquiring Ayton is far from simple. Given that Ayton is still under contract with the Suns, acquiring him would likely require a trade. The Lakers would need to figure out how to package assets to make a deal work, especially considering Ayton’s sizable contract and the potential competition from other teams that might be looking to trade for him.

4. Mason Plumlee (Charlotte Hornets)

Mason Plumlee is a name that might not generate the same level of excitement as some of the other options, but he could be a reliable and affordable addition for the Lakers. Plumlee is a solid, if unspectacular, center who excels at doing the little things. He’s a great passer for a big man, has a high basketball IQ, and is a capable rebounder and defender. While he isn’t known for his shot-blocking ability, Plumlee’s fundamental play and leadership could bring stability to the Lakers’ frontcourt.

Given the Lakers’ cap constraints, Plumlee might represent an affordable option who could contribute without breaking the bank. If the Lakers are looking for a more budget-friendly center who can still provide value, Plumlee could be a solid option to consider.

What Will It Take to Secure a Center?

The Lakers’ success in landing the center of their choice will depend on several factors, including cap space, team chemistry, and the level of competition they face from other teams. Given their current financial situation, the Lakers will need to be strategic in their approach.

Cap Space: The Lakers’ cap space will be a key factor in determining which center they can sign. If they are able to free up enough cap room through trades or by letting certain contracts expire, they may be able to land a top-tier center like Brook Lopez or Deandre Ayton. However, if they are restricted by the cap, they may need to target more affordable options, like Plumlee or Poeltl.

Team Chemistry: Another crucial aspect is team chemistry. The Lakers will need to find a center who meshes well with the rest of their roster. With LeBron and Davis already set as their stars, the center they sign must fit seamlessly into their system. That could mean looking for a big man who doesn’t need to dominate the ball but is a reliable scorer and defender.

Competition from Other Teams: Finally, the Lakers will face competition from other franchises for the top centers on the market. Teams like the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, and others are likely to be in the mix, especially if a star center like Ayton becomes available. The Lakers will need to be aggressive and creative to secure the center they need.