LA Lakers Have Interest in 5 Notable Centers at Trade Deadline

Obviously, nobody in Los Angeles is second-guessing the trade of Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic. However, losing AD certainly leaves the LA Lakers with a massive hole in the frontcourt that they will need to fill, asap.

"There is almost certainty that the Lakers are going to make some kind of move for a big man" before Thursday's trade deadline, says insider Jake Fischer.

According to reports, they have interest in five notable centers, some more available than others.

Walker Kessler

It still seems surprising that the Utah Jazz are willing to listen on the young stud center who is averaging career highs in points (10.9) and rebounds (11.5) while leading the entire league in FG% at .720. He has blocked 2.4 shots per game over his three-year career. The Lakers' chances of landing him are very slim, says Fischer.

Myles Turner

The Indiana Pacers big man is another of the Lakers' top choices, but despite his pending free agent status after the season, he is not seen as likely to be available. Let's turn then to the next two on the LA's list.

“Nic Claxton and Robert Williams III are the names that keep coming up, and I would guess that one of them will be on the Lakers.”

— @kirkgoldsberry pic.twitter.com/7UcSrX8Cyz
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 3, 2025

Nic Claxton

The Brooklyn Nets' young rim-protector would provide the defense the Lakers need in the middle, and he's signed for three more seasons after signing a four-year, $97 million contract with the Nets last July.

Robert Williams III

The oft-injured Trail Blazers big man has been a trade candidate for quite some time. He spends far more time on the injured list than he does on the court. He's played 17 games this season, and 58 games total over the last three years combined. But Williams is a former All-Defensive Team center.

Steven Adams

REPORT: The Lakers have interest in Steven Adams, per @sam_amick pic.twitter.com/7T4TLSk4dO
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 4, 2025

Adams is still working his way back with the Houston Rockets after missing the entire 2023-24 season to injury. He's only played 12 minutes per game this season, across 34 contests. He's on an expiring deal at $12.6 million.