The Los Angeles lakers face a critical offseason. Their roster needs significant retooling. A primary area of focus is the center position. This need became urgent after the blockbuster trade sending Anthony Davis to acquire Luka Doncic.
Filling the void at the five spot is paramount. The Lakers require size, defense, and rebounding. They seek a player who can anchor the paint. Multiple high-profile options are emerging as potential targets.
Why the Lakers Need a Center (Desperately)
The Lakers’ recent trade reshaped their team entirely. While gaining a superstar like Luka Doncic is transformative, it left a gaping hole. Anthony Davis anchored their defense and provided crucial interior scoring. His departure created an immediate need for a frontcourt centerpiece.
Finding a player who can replicate Davis’s two-way impact is challenging. The team needs effective rim protection. They also need reliable rebounding. Offensive versatility from the center spot is also a plus. The upcoming offseason presents limited avenues to acquire such talent.
Assessing the Void in the Frontcourt
Currently, the Lakers’ center depth is thin. They lack a true starting-caliber big man. Relying on smaller players or unproven talent at center is risky. This vulnerability was exposed at various points last season. Addressing this position is the key to contention next year.
The front office must explore all possibilities. This includes trades, free agency, and potential buyouts. Two distinct strategies are reportedly on the table. Both aim to provide the much-needed boost in the paint.
Option 1: The Bobby Marks Proposal (Trade + Free Agency)
ESPN insider Bobby Marks has outlined one potential path. He suggests a two-step approach for the Lakers. This strategy involves both a trade and a free-agent signing. Marks believes this could provide the team with two solid center options.
The first step is a trade for Robert Williams III. Williams currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers. He is known for his elite shot-blocking and athleticism. However, Williams has a significant injury history. He has played 40 or fewer games in each of the last three seasons.
Robert Williams III: High Reward, High Risk
Acquiring Robert Williams III carries inherent risk. His availability is a major concern. When healthy, he is undeniably impactful. Williams was a Second-Team All-NBA Defense selection in 2021-22. He is one of the league’s premier rim protectors.
Despite the injury concerns, his talent is undeniable. A trade would allow the Lakers to add this defensive force. However, his history necessitates a backup plan. Marks argues this is why the Lakers need a second center acquisition.
Brook Lopez: A Proven Veteran Target
The second part of Marks’ plan involves free agency. He suggests the Lakers target Brook Lopez. Lopez is a veteran center known for his shooting and interior defense. He could be signed using the Non-Taxpayer Midlevel Exception. This exception allows teams to sign a player even when over the salary cap.
Lopez provides a different skillset than Williams. He stretches the floor with his three-point shooting. He also offers consistent presence and durability. Having both Williams (when healthy) and Lopez provides depth and versatility. This pairing could address the center need comprehensively.
The Lakers face financial constraints. They are currently over the first salary cap apron. This limits their ability to take back salary in trades. Any deal for Robert Williams III must match outgoing salary. Potential trade pieces include Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Shake Milton. These players could be packaged to acquire Williams. The financial engineering is complex but necessary.
Option 2: The Deandre Ayton Buyout Scenario (Shams Charania Report)
Another significant possibility has emerged. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported a surprising development. The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly considering buying out Deandre Ayton. Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. His potential availability via buyout is a major story.
A buyout would make Ayton a free agent. He could then sign with any team. Reports suggest he might be willing to sign for a minimum contract. This dramatically lowers his cap hit for a new team. This scenario is particularly intriguing for teams with limited cap space.
Deandre Ayton: Former #1 Pick on the Brink?
Deandre Ayton’s NBA journey has been complex. He has shown flashes of elite talent. He possesses size, rebounding, and scoring ability near the basket. His defense has been inconsistent at times. Despite ups and downs, his draft pedigree remains relevant.
A former No. 1 pick becoming available on a minimum deal is rare. This presents a unique opportunity. Many analysts view the Lakers as a strong contender for Ayton. If he is bought out, they could potentially add a high-upside player for a minimal financial commitment. This scenario offers a significant upside.
Why the Minimum Contract Matters
The Lakers are operating under tight salary cap restrictions. Signing a player for the minimum is highly advantageous. It uses very little cap space or exceptions. This leaves flexibility for other roster moves. Acquiring a talent like Ayton at the minimum would be a massive win. It would significantly upgrade their frontcourt without sacrificing other assets.
The feasibility hinges on two things. First, Portland must actually buy him out. Second, Ayton must be willing to sign for the minimum salary. Both factors are currently speculative. However, the possibility is generating considerable discussion.
Comparing the Two Strategies
Both the Bobby Marks proposal and the Ayton buyout offer solutions. The Marks plan is more complex. It involves a trade and a free agent signing. It also comes with the risk of Robert Williams III’s injuries. However, it could potentially yield two solid players at center. This provides depth and hedges against injury.
The Ayton buyout scenario is simpler financially for the Lakers. Signing him for the minimum is highly appealing. It provides a former No. 1 pick with potential upside. The risk here is Ayton’s consistency and defensive effort. There’s also no guarantee the buyout happens or he accepts a minimum deal.
The Ayton option seems more financially palatable. It requires less roster disruption via trade. However, the Marks plan might provide more reliable depth immediately (assuming Lopez is signed). The Lakers’ front office must weigh these factors carefully.
The Road Ahead: Offseason Decisions
These potential moves highlight the Lakers’ urgent need. The decisions made this offseason will shape their future. Finding the right center is paramount. It impacts their defense, rebounding, and offensive flow.
The front office must act decisively. Securing a capable big man is essential. Whether through trade, free agency, or a surprising buyout, the goal is clear. Build a championship contender around their core players. The coming weeks will reveal their strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the Lakers need a new starting center?
The Los Angeles Lakers need a new starting center because they recently traded Anthony Davis. Davis was the team’s primary big man and defensive anchor. His departure in the trade for Luka Doncic created a significant void in the frontcourt. The team requires a player who can provide size, defense, and rebounding.
Which former No. 1 pick is potentially available via buyout?
Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, is reportedly a candidate for a buyout. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, his current team, the Portland Trail Blazers, is considering this option. If bought out, Ayton would become a free agent and could sign with a new team, potentially for a minimum contract.
What are the main options the Lakers are considering to address their center need?
Two primary strategies are being discussed for the Lakers. One, suggested by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, involves trading for Robert Williams III and signing Brook Lopez via the Midlevel Exception. The second, based on Shams Charania’s reporting, is pursuing Deandre Ayton if he is bought out by Portland and is willing to sign for a minimum contract.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Lakers are at a critical juncture. Addressing the center position is their top priority this offseason. The departure of Anthony Davis created an urgent need for size and defense in the paint. Two compelling options are currently in focus.
The Bobby Marks proposal offers a pathway to acquire Robert Williams III and Brook Lopez. This strategy provides depth but involves trade assets and injury risk. The potential Deandre Ayton buyout presents a high-upside opportunity on a minimum contract. This path is less certain but offers significant financial flexibility. The coming weeks will reveal which direction the Lakers choose. Their decision at center will heavily influence their success next season.
