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Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport
Behind the scenes in Los Angeles, talks are multiplying. The front office, still reeling from an early playoff exit, is determined not to relive the same scenario in 2026. And it’s clear that a center is urgently needed.
Since the failed trade for Mark Williams last February, the Lakers have struggled to fill the void in the paint. The departure of Anthony Davis left a mark, and Luka Doncic, who arrived recently, needs more defensive support beside him. The management is aware of this and has been exploring several serious options since the offseason began.
Anthony Irwin : “Sources close to the team reiterated that the internal plan is to trade for their starting center – sources say they’ve held conversations with other teams about Nic Claxton, Robert Williams, Walker Kessler and others – then, ideally, use the taxpayer midlevel on his backup – Brook Lopez and Clint Capela are the two names most often linked to the Lakers. It’s a solid plan that they’re considered likely to be able to execute.”
The Lakers’ detailed market plan
The plan seems coherent, especially since the market at this position is relatively rich. Claxton is attractive for his mobility, Lopez for his experience, Capela for his consistency. But the cost question remains central: players like Kessler or Claxton might require sacrificing draft picks or promising young players, which the Lakers hesitate to do.
The priority is clear: surround Luka Doncic with profiles that can compensate for his defensive weaknesses without unbalancing the roster. Even though the former Maverick is the top offensive option, he cannot do it all alone over a long season. The arrival of a defensive center thus seems inevitable in the short term.
Moreover, the Lakers must manage another factor: time pressure. With Doncic under contract and still young but determined to win quickly, the window to build a competitive team isn’t infinite. Betting on a solid center would stabilize the defense and better protect the rim against dominant big men.
The question remains who will be willing to negotiate with Rob Pelinka. Discussions should intensify as the draft approaches, where some packages might take shape. This summer could mark a quiet but decisive turning point for a franchise that doesn’t want to waste the best years of Doncic and LeBron in the City of Angels.
