5 Perfect Centers the Los Angeles Lakers Could Acquire This Summer
As the 2024-2025 NBA season nears its conclusion, the Los Angeles Lakers are already eyeing potential roster moves for the upcoming summer. While the team has a solid core, there’s one area that remains a bit of a question mark: the center position. While Anthony Davis has filled the role admirably, the Lakers could certainly benefit from bolstering their frontcourt with a dedicated big man, especially to provide Davis with rest and to offer a more traditional presence in the paint.
With several talented centers potentially hitting the market or becoming available via trade, here are five perfect fits for the Lakers this summer:
1. Nikola Vucevic (Chicago Bulls)
A seasoned veteran with a smooth offensive game, Nikola Vucevic could be the perfect option for the Lakers if they’re looking for an experienced center with scoring ability. The 7-foot big man is an elite rebounder and provides consistent offensive production, averaging 17.6 points and 11 rebounds per game. Vucevic’s ability to stretch the floor and shoot from outside (he’s a career 34.6% shooter from deep) would complement Davis’s interior presence, and his high basketball IQ would fit well in the Lakers’ system.
Though Vucevic’s defense isn’t elite, his size and experience make him a solid addition as a secondary center option behind Davis.
2. Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)
If the Lakers want a center who can dominate defensively and space the floor, Myles Turner is a perfect candidate. One of the best shot-blockers in the NBA, Turner can anchor a defense with his 2.3 blocks per game. His ability to guard the rim would be invaluable for the Lakers, especially in matchups where Davis plays the power forward position. Additionally, Turner has developed into a reliable three-point shooter, hitting 37.3% from deep this season.
Turner would give the Lakers more flexibility, as he could start alongside Davis or be a dynamic force off the bench, providing both rim protection and spacing. His fit with the Lakers’ defensive schemes would be seamless.
3. Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors)
A strong, traditional center with great rebounding skills and a solid defensive presence, Jakob Poeltl could be an excellent fit for the Lakers. The 7-footer is an elite rim protector and one of the best rebounders in the game. His presence in the paint would allow the Lakers to play a more traditional style of basketball when Davis is resting or playing power forward.
Poeltl is also a skilled passer, making him an underrated weapon in pick-and-roll situations. He’s not much of a floor spacer, but his energy, rebounding, and shot-blocking could be a huge boost to the Lakers’ interior defense. Poeltl would be a strong option, especially if the Lakers are seeking depth behind Davis.
4. Deandre Ayton (Phoenix Suns)
Deandre Ayton’s future with the Phoenix Suns has been up in the air for some time, and the Lakers could look to capitalize on his availability this summer. The 7-foot center is a dynamic scorer, capable of finishing around the rim and even knocking down mid-range jump shots. Ayton is a solid rebounder and, while he’s not an elite rim protector, he provides decent shot-blocking and physicality in the paint.
A move to Los Angeles could offer Ayton the fresh start he needs and an opportunity to play for a championship contender. If paired with Davis, Ayton’s size and offensive versatility could create a dominant frontcourt duo.
5. Kristaps Porzingis (Boston Celtics)
Though not your traditional center, Kristaps Porzingis offers a rare combination of size (7’3″) and skill that would add a new dimension to the Lakers’ roster. Known for his shot-blocking and ability to stretch the floor, Porzingis has become a dangerous scorer in the post and on the perimeter. This season, he’s averaging 20.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting 38.6% from three.
Porzingis’ outside shooting would help open up the floor for Davis to operate in the paint, and his shot-blocking ability would offer a reliable secondary defender next to Davis. His versatility as both a center and power forward would give head coach Darvin Ham multiple ways to deploy him within the rotation, making him an intriguing option.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Lakers are positioned to make a deep playoff run, but adding another impactful center could elevate their championship aspirations. Whether it’s an experienced veteran like Vucevic, a defensive-minded force like Turner, a traditional rim protector like Poeltl, a talented offensive presence like Ayton, or the versatile Porzingis, the Lakers have a number of intriguing options to consider this summer.
Each of these players brings something unique to the table, and with the Lakers already having a strong roster, adding the right center could help solidify their position as a true contender in the upcoming seasons.
