With the NBA offseason nearly in full swing, the Lakers have several avenues to address positions of need. The biggest—literally and figuratively—is the five spot, where the talk of Tinseltown is which centers the Lakers are targeting and if help could come from trades or free agency.
According to ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin, the answer is both. The senior Lakers insider confirmed the team is hoping to “trade for their starting center” while signing a backup to the taxpayer mid-level exception. He also mentioned several targets LA is reportedly considering—they all fit the criteria for Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick and have been connected to the Lakers for quite some time.
Lakers Insider Reveals Plan of Attack at Center
Trade Targets
Walker Kessler
Utah’s breakout starter Walker Kessler could find himself on the trade block under new leadership, with new president Austin Ainge expected to move on from key players. The Lakers—who attempted to trade for Kessler in January—are still intrigued by the 23-year-old big man, who averaged 11 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks per game this year. An athletic 7-footer and a double-double machine, Kessler is arguably the best option for the purple and gold—that is, if Utah is willing to come to the table again.
Nic Claxton
Stuck on a Brooklyn Nets team running an express train to purgatory, Nic Claxton is another relatively popular name in Lakers Nation, most likely for his prowess as an effective two-way big. The ex-Georgia Bulldog is coming off a productive campaign: 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks. However, he also has three years and nearly $70 million left on his current contract. With the Nets not going anywhere anytime soon and the Lakers looking toward the future, the 26-year-old Claxton can be a promising piece next to Luka Doncic.
Robert Williams III
The Lakers were tied to the “Timelord” back in December, and for what it’s worth, Robert Williams III is a unique name to watch. He’s undersized for a big (6’9”) and is coming off an injury-riddled season. But Williams, when healthy, is a defensive-minded five who can hang with the best of them, not to mention his elite finishing as a lob threat. Pelinka did say he’d look at several types of centers, and the team even considering Williams proves that.
Free Agent Targets
Brook Lopez
A somewhat athletic floor spacer and 2021 NBA Champion, it may not hurt to bring Brook Lopez in for a second stint in LA. The 37-year-old still has something left in the tank, averaging 13 points and five rebounds while shooting 37% from deep this year. Lopez, who was the Lakers’ starting center in 2017-18, has kept that role in Milwaukee the last seven seasons. However, as he reaches the twilight of his career, there’s no doubt he’d make a reliable option for the second unit, especially as a physical big who can score at all three levels with decent defense to boot.
Clint Capela
A former starter who recently moved to a backup role, Clint Capela may need a change of scenery as the Hawks fly in a new direction. The 31-year-old Swiss big man averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and one block per game on 56% shooting from the field, but eventually came off the bench in favor of Onyeka Okongwu (another Lakers trade target). Known for his interior presence and, particularly, his rebounding, Capela can fix some of LA’s shortcomings while boasting significant playoff experience.
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