Best Center Targets for the Lakers After 2025 Playoff Loss
The Los Angeles Lakers are in offseason mode after losing in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the First Round of the NBA playoffs.
Throughout the series, it was evident that the Lakers were missing a starting-caliber center. This offseason, that is the top priority for general manager Rob Pelinka.
The Lakers have expiring contracts in Rui Hachimura ($18.2 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), and Maxi Kleber ($11 million). They also have an intriguing young player in Dalton Knecht and draft capital that includes one tradeable first, five first-round pick swaps, and a 2025 second-round pick.
The Purple and Gold have the assets to get a deal done. With that said, here are the best center targets for the Lakers after their 2025 playoff loss.
Which center should the Lakers target this summer? 👀 pic.twitter.com/IybLKfHBCA
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) May 1, 2025
Long-term Center Options
Nic Claxton
Nic Claxton is one of the top options at center for the Lakers this offseason. Claxton is on a rebuilding Nets team that went 26-56 in the 2024-25 season.
Claxton averaged 10/7/2 with 1.4 blocks on 56/24/51 shooting splits. He fits the archetype of a lob threat and rim protector who could fit well alongside Luka Doncic.
Claxton has three years remaining on his deal, earning $25.3 million in 2025, $23.1 million in 2026, and $20.9 million in 2027.
With a controllable contract, Claxton should be one of the top options for LA.
Walker Kessler
Walker Kessler should be the Lakers’ top target this offseason. The 23-year-old big man is entering the final year of his rookie contract, earning $4.8 million.
Kessler had a career year, averaging 11/12/2 and 2.4 blocks per game on 66/18/52 shooting splits.
To make a deal happen, the Lakers would likely be able to keep their expiring contracts to use in another deal or to keep their core together.
For Kessler, they could send Knecht and draft capital to get a deal done.
He is one of the best rim protectors in the NBA and could be the long-term center next to Doncic. However, the Utah Jazz, or Danny Ainge in particular, may not be jumping to make a deal with LA.
Utah unknowingly helped facilitate the Luka Doncic trade, which may leave a sour taste in Ainge’s mouth.
If the Jazz are willing to do a deal, Kessler would be the perfect center for the Lakers to acquire.
Daniel Gafford
A former teammate of Doncic could be a great addition at center for the Lakers. Daniel Gafford was a key piece on the Dallas Mavericks’ 2024 run to the NBA Finals.
Gafford appeared in 57 games for the Mavericks in 2025, averaging 12/7/1 with 1.8 blocks per game. He was very efficient, shooting 70.2% from the floor.
Gafford is entering the final year of his deal, earning $14.4 million. His prowess as a lob threat and rim protector, as well as his chemistry with Doncic, make him an ideal target for LA.
Dereck Lively II
Another former teammate of Doncic who would fit well as the Lakers’ starting center is Dereck Lively II. Lively II dealt with injuries in his second season, but averaged 9/8/2 with 1.6 blocks across 36 games. He was efficient, shooting 70.2% from the field.
Lively II has two years remaining on his rookie contract.
It’s unlikely that the Lakers can land Gafford or Lively II, as Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison likely wants to distance himself from trades with the Lakers.
Rob Pelinka says the Lakers goal in the offseason is to add size at the center position pic.twitter.com/FjPBd81oC5
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) May 1, 2025
Cheap Bridge Options
Mitchell Robinson
As much as the Purple and Gold want to get their long-term answer at center, they may end up settling for a cheaper bridge option.
Mitchell Robinson would fit that mold. He is a solid center who could be a starter, but would ideally be a bench center on a championship-level team.
Robinson 5/6/1 with 1.1 blocks, shooting 66.1% from the floor across 17 games for the New York Knicks this season.
He is entering the final year of his contract, earning $12.9 million. Robinson fits as a lob threat and rim protector, but his injury history would be a major concern for the Lakers.
Robinson has only played in 48 regular-season games over the last two seasons. If LA were to acquire Robinson, it would ideally be for their backup center position.
Nick Richards
Nick Richards is a center whom the Lakers could acquire, depending on the Phoenix Suns’ plans. The Suns acquired Richards at the 2025 trade deadline, but after missing the playoffs, they are expected to move on from Kevin Durant.
It’s unclear how Phoenix will retool its roster around Devin Booker, but Pelinka should make a call if Richards becomes available.
He averaged 9/8/1 with a block per game, shooting 59.1% from the floor. Richards is entering the final year of his deal, making $5 million.
The 27-year-old big man is a high-value center on a cheap deal, making him an intriguing target this offseason.
Robert Williams III
Robert Williams III is another option for the LakeShow as a bridge option. Williams III fits the mold as a lob threat and rim protector, but his injury history is concerning.
Williams III has only played 60 or more games once in his seven seasons. In 2025, he averaged 6/6/1 with 1.6 blocks across 20 games.
He is entering the final year of his deal, making $13.2 million. The Portland Trail Blazers could be interested in moving him, as they have Donovan Clingan and Deandre Ayton at center.
However, with his extensive injury history, it may be in LA’s best interest not to acquire Williams III.
Clint Capela
A free agent option for the Lakers to add a lob threat and rim protector is Clint Capela. Capela has been one of the best lob threats in the NBA, playing alongside talented playmakers James Harden and Trae Young.
Capela averaged 9/9/1 with a block per game, shooting 55.9% from the field.
He could thrive playing with two more elite playmakers in Doncic and LeBron James. At this stage of his career, Capela would be more impactful as a backup big, but he could be a bridge option as a starter if LA can’t pull off a trade for their long-term answer.
Steven Adams
Steven Adams is another free agent that the Lakers could pursue. Adams doesn’t fit the bill as a lob threat or an elite rim protector, but he brings toughness and rebounding to a team.
Adams could make sense as a backup center, but he is not a starting-level center at this stage of his career.
Not Mentioned
Naz Reid
Naz Reid is going to earn a payday in free agency after a great season with the Timberwolves. The reality for LA is that they can’t afford Reid unless they are able to work out a sign-and-trade. However, Minnesota wants to re-sign Reid.
Reid also doesn’t solve the Lakers’ rim protection issues. He is a gifted offensive big who can stretch the floor, but would not be the shot blocker or lob threat that LA is seeking.
As the Lakers’ offseason begins, Pelinka and all of Lakers Nation know that the top priority is adding a center.
