After a disappointing first-round playoff exit in 2025, where the Lakers were physically dominated by Rudy Gobert, it’s clear they need to upgrade their center position. To maximize LeBron James and Luka Doncic’s championship window, acquiring a proven center in the 2025 offseason is crucial.
Here are eight centers the Lakers could realistically target:
1. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies):
Trade Details: Lakers receive Jackson Jr.; Grizzlies receive Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2026 first-round pick swap.
Jackson Jr. offers excellent rim protection and floor spacing. His defensive versatility and age (25) make him a great fit for the Lakers’ timeline. The trade would provide Memphis with rotation-ready wings and draft assets.
2. Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers):
Trade Details: Lakers receive Turner (via sign-and-trade); Pacers receive Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and a 2031 first-round pick.
Turner is a productive center who can protect the rim and shoot from deep. His playoff experience and offensive game would seamlessly upgrade the Lakers’ center rotation. This move provides the Lakers with size and spacing.
3. Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets)
Trade Details: Lakers receive Claxton; Nets receive Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and a 2031 first-round pick.
Claxton is an athletic, defensive-minded center who excels as a lob threat and is switchable on defense. This acquisition would allow the Lakers to surround LeBron and Luka with athletic defenders while keeping offensive lanes clear.
4. Clint Capela (Atlanta Hawks):
Trade Details: Lakers receive Capela (via sign-and-trade); Hawks receive Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, and a 2031 second-round pick.
Capela provides a dependable defensive presence and elite offensive rebounding. His toughness and rebounding would be valuable against physical front lines. This move offers a cheaper solution to boost rebounding and interior defense.
5. Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz):
Trade Details: Lakers receive Kessler; Jazz receive Dalton Knecht, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2026 first-round pick swap.
Kessler is a young, promising shot-blocker who can improve the Lakers’ paint defense. He fits well with LeBron and Luka’s drive-and-kick offense.
6. Onyeka Okongwu (Atlanta Hawks):
Onyeka Okongwu is a high-risk, high-reward option with game-changing rim protection and vertical spacing. If healthy, he could be the defensive anchor the Lakers need.
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