Rob Pelinka says Lakers will “turn over every stone” in trades and free agency to find a much-needed center.

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises, have always been defined by their pursuit of championship glory. After several seasons of highs and lows, the organization is once again focused on building a roster capable of contending at the highest level. Central to this mission is addressing a glaring roster need: the lack of a true, reliable center. Recently, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka made headlines by stating that the team will “turn over every stone” in trades and free agency to find the center they desperately need.

This declaration underscores the urgency and commitment from the Lakers’ front office to solve a problem that has plagued the team for several seasons. Let’s dive deeper into what this statement means, the context behind it, and how the Lakers can realistically address their need at center.

The Lakers’ Center Problem: A Persistent Issue

The Lakers’ search for a dominant, impactful center has been ongoing for years. Historically, the team thrived with big men like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and later Dwight Howard, who anchored their defense and dominated the paint. However, in recent years, the Lakers have struggled to find a true center who can provide rim protection, rebounding, and a consistent inside presence.

Anthony Davis has often been the Lakers’ primary big man, but injuries and time spent at power forward have left the center spot vulnerable. While Davis is versatile and elite in many facets, relying solely on him to cover the center role limits the Lakers’ defensive schemes and floor spacing options.

Recent experiments with various big men — from veterans like Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee to younger players and role-fillers — have not yielded a consistent, high-impact center. This gap has been especially evident in crucial playoff moments, where dominant interior defense and presence often make the difference.

Why Finding the Right Center Is Critical

In today’s NBA, the center position has evolved, but its importance remains undeniable. Teams with strong centers benefit from several key advantages:

• Rim Protection: Protecting the paint deters opponents from attacking the basket and forces lower-percentage perimeter shots.

• Rebounding: Dominant centers control the glass, limiting second-chance points for opponents and generating extra possessions.

• Offensive Options: Centers can open the floor by rolling to the basket, setting screens, or stretching the defense with shooting ability.

• Defensive Versatility: A center who can switch onto smaller players or guard pick-and-roll actions adds valuable flexibility.

For the Lakers, addressing these areas is vital to supporting LeBron James and Anthony Davis, maximizing their effectiveness, and competing against powerhouse teams in the Western Conference.

Rob Pelinka’s Statement: “Turning Over Every Stone”

Rob Pelinka’s candid admission that the Lakers will “turn over every stone” signals an aggressive and comprehensive approach. It suggests the front office will explore all avenues — trades, free agency, and possibly creative sign-and-trade deals — to acquire the right center.

This no-stone-unturned mentality reflects both the urgency of the situation and the resources the Lakers possess. The team has a mixture of expiring contracts, draft assets, and cap space flexibility that could facilitate moves. Pelinka’s words also emphasize a willingness to be patient and thorough, avoiding quick fixes in favor of a meaningful, long-term solution.

Potential Trade Targets

Several centers around the league could fit the Lakers’ needs, depending on availability, salary considerations, and team fit. Here are a few potential trade targets often discussed in NBA circles:

• Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers): An elite rim protector with three-point shooting ability, Turner fits the mold of a modern NBA center. However, the Pacers would likely demand significant assets in return.

• Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors): Known for his defense and efficient offense around the rim, Poeltl could provide a steady presence. Toronto’s willingness to trade him depends on their roster plans.

• Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons): A young, athletic center with defensive potential, Stewart offers upside and could be an affordable option.

• Clint Capela (Atlanta Hawks): A dominant rebounder and shot-blocker, Capela could anchor the Lakers’ defense but comes with a substantial contract.

Each potential target presents pros and cons related to fit, cost, and availability. Pelinka’s “turn over every stone” approach implies exploring all these options and more, assessing how each move would impact team chemistry and financial flexibility.

Free Agency and Market Options

Beyond trades, free agency remains a crucial path. The upcoming free-agent class may include centers who can either start or serve as valuable backups.

Possible free-agent centers the Lakers could pursue include:

• DeAndre Jordan: A veteran known for rebounding and shot-blocking, who could provide short-term depth.

• Mason Plumlee: A versatile big man with experience as a starter and backup, offering passing and rim protection.

• Robin Lopez: Another veteran presence with defensive strengths.

The challenge in free agency is that most top-tier centers will be under contract, limiting the pool of impactful available players. The Lakers may need to get creative with sign-and-trade or mid-level exceptions to attract quality talent.

Developing Internal Options

While Pelinka hunts externally, the Lakers also have internal options worth developing. Young big men on the roster or in the G League system could grow into more prominent roles.

For instance, players like Austin Reaves (though a guard, his versatility helps floor spacing) or promising young big men on the fringe of the roster could be given more opportunities to prove themselves.

Still, relying solely on internal development is risky given the Lakers’ championship window and competitive pressure.

Cap Space and Financial Strategy

Acquiring a quality center isn’t just about talent; it’s also about managing the salary cap. The Lakers have several large contracts tied up in their stars and veterans, limiting flexibility.

Pelinka will need to balance short-term spending with long-term planning. This could involve:

• Moving contracts via trade to clear space.

• Signing players on reasonable deals with upside.

• Leveraging draft picks and young players as trade bait.

Successfully navigating the salary cap landscape is crucial to acquiring and retaining the right center without compromising the rest of the roster.

The Lakers’ Championship Window and Urgency

LeBron James, now in his 20th NBA season, is nearing the twilight of his legendary career. Anthony Davis remains the team’s other superstar but has battled injuries.

This context adds urgency to Pelinka’s search for a center. The Lakers are striving to maximize their championship window while they still have elite talent on the roster.

A strong, reliable center could be the missing piece to push the team deep into the playoffs and contend for the title.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

Fans have long voiced frustration over the Lakers’ center situation. Pelinka’s statement has been met with cautious optimism.

Many hope the front office is finally fully committed to fixing this weakness. Analysts praise the transparency but remind the public that acquiring a quality center is easier said than done.

Possible Timeline and Next Steps

Pelinka’s remarks suggest the Lakers are in active discussions and explorations, but any major moves might unfold gradually.

• Pre-Draft: The Lakers could use draft assets to facilitate trades or package picks.

• Draft Night: Potential trades involving draft picks or young players could happen.

• Free Agency: July and August could bring key signings or sign-and-trade deals.

• Season Progression: The team might continue seeking upgrades as the season unfolds.

Rob Pelinka’s promise to “turn over every stone” signals an all-in approach to solving one of the Lakers’ most persistent roster issues: finding a true center.

This challenge involves balancing talent evaluation, financial constraints, and timing, all while managing expectations in a high-pressure environment.

If the Lakers succeed, the acquisition of a dominant center could be the catalyst that propels the franchise back to championship contention. For fans and analysts, the coming months will be critical to watching how Pelinka’s words translate into action and results.