Lakers Set to Aggressively Target New Center This Offseason

Newsweek

5 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The 2025 NBA offseason is set to be one for the books. There has already been much movement, and the offseason has not yet begun.
The NBA Finals are still underway, and while that is the case, it appears that everyone is looking forward to this much-anticipated offseason. At the forefront of it will be the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers have plenty to address this offseason, but shoring up the center spot tops the list. The lack of consistency and production from that position was one of the major flaws that hurt them during their playoff run.
Expect Los Angeles to be aggressive in its search for a reliable big. According to ClutchPoints' Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, the team has already expressed interest in several centers as they gear up for what's expected to be a busy summer.
Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz drives into Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of a game at Vivint Arena on February 03, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah....
Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz drives into Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of a game at Vivint Arena on February 03, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. More
Photo by"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. But, because of their clear and desperate need at the position, such an approach is going to be a lot more complicated than it would've been had they not neglected the position the past couple of seasons," wrote Irwin.
Arguably, the most intriguing name on the Lakers' radar is Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler. At just 23 years old, Kessler has the makings of a long-term anchor in the middle and would be an ideal complement next to Luka Doncic moving forward.
He's young, highly skilled, and still developing — which makes him all the more valuable. The Jazz may listen to offers this offseason, but there's a sense they could be hesitant to deal him, especially to a Western Conference rival like the Lakers. That said, don't expect L.A. to back down from making a strong push.
The others on the list would be of massive help and a huge upgrade. Nic Claxton is another player who fits the mold of succeeding next to Doncic, as he is a rim runner and extremely athletic.
Robert Williams also fits that mold and is arguably the best defender and shot blocker from this current crop of big men.
As for Clint Capela and Brook Lopez, they may be on the older side, but they will certainly be an upgrade compared to what the Lakers had in the second half of the season.
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