3 Centers Lakers Can Add to Create Championship-Caliber Roster

The Los Angeles Lakers finished 3rd last season with LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the way. However, they struggled to play well in their 1st round defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, after the latter exploited their lack of inside presence.

The Lakers could not keep up with the Wolves’ dominant post players. On top of that, the lack of a paint clogger meant Anthony Edwards and his teammates had an open route to the rim. When mixing in the Lakers’ fatigue, it all went south and they embarrassingly ended their season.

Many pointed out that maybe the franchise should not have rescinded the trade that would have brought in Mark Williams. Once the noise settled down after the end of the season, fans and analysts pointed out that the team needs to solve the lack of toughness inside immediately.

Everyone’s attention turned towards what GM Rob Pelinka would do to address that need. Names such as Walker Kessler, Clint Capela, and Brook Lopez were all thrown into the mix. Now, another option opened up in the form of Deandre Ayton.

The franchise has to understand and then proceed to reach out and bring in the player who can not only solve their need for interior defense but also be a reliable scorer when needed. That brings the options down to 3 players.

Walker Kessler is the best option for the Lakers, but also the most expensive

The Los Angeles Lakers have forever been linked with Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. He will be 24 this season, which places him as a prime partner to work along with Luka Doncic for years to come. Along with that, he has displayed prowess on both ends of the floor.

This was his 3rd season in the league, and the best one yet. He averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks, all on one of the worst teams in the league. Many believe he has the potential to become a better player if given time.

The Lakers primarily need someone who can man the interior, throw down lobs from Doncic and others, and grab rebounds on both ends of the floor. Kessler has already proved he can do all that. Therefore, if he can work on his game, he could be a valuable piece for the future.

However, he will be the most expensive on this list. Not salary cap hit wise, but what the Lakers have to give up so that the Jazz send him to them. Last season, it was reported that the Jazz were demanding multiple 1st rounders. Now that the center market has softened, their demands have followed that trend.

Deandre Ayton’s contract buyout gives Lakers viable option

The Utah Jazz can continue to play hardball and push the Los Angeles Lakers to get desperate and give up a lot. However, now that Deandre Ayton agreed with the Portland Trail Blazers to buy out his contract, the situation could favor the purple and gold franchise.

He was due to earn $35.5 million this season. But he left that on the table to try and land with a winning team, and one where he can be the primary center. The Trail Blazers have taken two centers in back-to-back drafts, which is probably what prompted him to take this decision.

His decision will be seen as a major win for the Lakers, as they now can negotiate with him while dealing with the Jazz at the same time. They will have further leverage, knowing no one else is in the market for Kessler.

Even if they do not land Kessler, in Deandre Ayton, the Lakers will get a player who is just 3 years older than the Jazz center. At the same time, his deft touch around the rim gives the team an alternate scoring option down low.

He also commands the boards well enough to earn that contract. The only aspects he needs to improve are his blocking and awareness. There are countless videos of him looking casually disinterested or being caught off-guard.

Head coach JJ Redick will demand more, and if he commits, it would bode well. However, his salary demands could hamper any talks, as the Lakers do not have much cap room to operate in. Fans might be taking their frustrations out on LeBron James for not taking a pay cut, but even that would not help.

Clint Capela will be a short-term cover for the Lakers

Another option for the Los Angeles Lakers is former Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela. The arrival of Kristaps Porzingis ends his five-year run with the franchise. Now the 31-year-old is on the lookout for a job, and the answer could lie on the West Coast.

The Swiss center is as tough as they come and can hold his ground against the best centers in the league. However, this past season was notoriously poor, even by his standards. He could not continue his 7-season streak of double-digit points and rebounds.

The Lakers might not look at Capela to have him for the long run. They can bring him in for a year or two and use that time to figure out their best possible options. Bringing him in can also save them the hassle of overpaying for any other player.

Other than him, the Lakers can look towards 37-year-old Brook Lopez. He might take a pay cut to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, but giving him a ring would not be harmful. There are also talks of possible interest in Myles Turner or continuing to develop Christian Koloko.

Turner might soon extend his stay in Indianapolis, and Koloko is not an immediate answer. Therefore, the franchise might have to settle for one of the three mentioned above. They need a center, and they have to bring one in without jeopardizing their future.

Also Read:

• NBA Insider Confirms Devin Booker’s Involvement in Kevin Durant Trade; Hints at $150M Extension
• Cooper Flagg Tipped to Have Historic Mavericks Rookie Season