The Luka Dončić trade sent shockwaves through the NBA, but now that the dust has settled, the Lakers have a huge problem—they don’t have a real starting center.
Trading Anthony Davis for Luka was a franchise-altering move, but it left the Lakers with a massive hole in the paint, and with less than 24 hours until the trade deadline, they’re running out of time to fix it.
Lakers Desperately Need a Center
Right now, the Lakers’ only true center is Jaxson Hayes—and while he’s athletic and brings energy, he’s not a starting-caliber big on a contending team.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha summed it up best:
“We already knew they needed a backup center before the Luka trade. Now, they’ve lost their best rim protector and defensive rebounder. They have to go out and get a real starting center—someone who can at least be serviceable in big minutes.”
The problem? The deadline is tomorrow, and the front office isn’t in a rush to make a major move.
Forget Myles Turner—That’s Not Happening
For years, Myles Turner has been linked to the Lakers, and after the Davis trade, it seemed like a perfect fit. But don’t count on it.
According to multiple reports, Indiana has no plans to move Turner, and even if they did, the Lakers don’t have the assets to make a serious offer.
Pelinka Signals a Quiet Deadline
With less than a day left before the deadline, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has already lowered expectations, saying:
“There’s just not a lot available. So maybe we’ll be able to do some stuff around the margins. I would say, in terms of a big move for that position, it’s probably more realistic that would be something that comes in the offseason.”
Translation? Don’t expect a blockbuster trade. The Lakers might tweak the roster but won’t be making a major move for a center—at least not yet.
Who Could the Lakers Still Target?
If a big splash isn’t happening, what about a smaller move for a serviceable center? Here are some realistic options:
🔹 Nic Claxton (Nets) – This would be the dream target. He’s an elite shot-blocker and switchable defender, but Brooklyn reportedly isn’t looking to trade him unless they get a massive haul.
🔹 Day’Ron Sharpe (Nets) – If Claxton is too pricey, Sharpe is a solid fallback option. He’s young, physical, and rebounds well, and Brooklyn might be willing to move him for the right price.
🔹 Jakob Poeltl (Raptors) – A strong interior presence who can protect the rim and clean up the glass. Toronto isn’t contending, so he could be available—but he won’t come cheap.
🔹 Robert Williams III (Blazers) – This is a risky one. When healthy, he’s a top-tier shot-blocker—but he’s never healthy. Portland is reportedly asking for a first-round pick, which might be too much for L.A.
Buha on Williams:
“I like his upside, but the guy is playing 17 minutes a game, averaging under six points and six rebounds. If Portland really wants a first-round pick for him, I think that’s too much.”
Will the Lakers Actually Make a Move?
Before the Luka trade, insiders were saying not to expect anything big from the Lakers. And now? Pelinka has all but confirmed that’s still the case.
“I’ve been told to temper expectations,” Buha said. “But that’s also what I heard before the Luka trade. So, honestly? Who knows?”
With LeBron still playing at an elite level and Luka now officially the future of the franchise, the Lakers can’t afford to sit back. They need a big, they need defense, and they need it now.
But with less than 24 hours left, it’s looking more and more like L.A. will wait until the offseason to make a real move.
The clock is ticking. Let’s see if Pelinka surprises us.
