Despite landing superstar Luka Doncic this season, the Los Angeles Lakers failed to advance past the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing in the first round. That loss reinforces the Lakers' need for major changes this summer to emerge as contenders in the Western Conference.
The Wolves' big front line posed problems for the Lakers, who had only one traditional big man worth playing. They will have to address their frontcourt flaws this summer.
Fortunately for the Lakers, they have plenty of assets needed to make that happen. Better still, they will likely have no shortage of centers willing to take less to be able to play with Doncic and LeBron James. But who should they target?
The Los Angeles Lakers must solve their frontcourt problem this summer
When thinking over potential trade targets for the Lakers, one intriguing possibility could be Milwaukee Bucks starting center Brook Lopez. With the Bucks likely to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, they could look to trade other key players, with Lopez being another possible trade target.
Despite Lopez being 37 years old, he is still one of the best rim protectors in the NBA and is a high-volume 3-point shooter. He likely would be affordable too, with the Bucks willing to trade him to the highest bidder.
Considering his age, he wouldn't give the Lakers more than one or two good seasons. Nevertheless, he could be a viable starting center who can knock down open threes and challenge shots at the rim for the Lakers next season.
The Lakers have several options to fill their weakest position at center
It could cost them a first-round pick and matching salary, but that could be worth it. Another potential target this offseason is Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela. Capela is an 11-year NBA veteran and one of the best rebounders and rim protectors in the NBA.
He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and may be willing to take less to play for a contender who has a starting center spot open. Technically, the Lakers could trade for Lopez and use part or all of their mid-level exception for Capella.
Adding Lopez and Capela and bringing back Jaxson Hayes as a depth piece would be a dramatic improvement as a center for Los Angeles. That would help them shore up the weakest position without having to give up significant assets to do so.
After being manhandled by the Timberwolves' bulky frontline, the Lakers must solve their biggest flaw this summer, but fortunately for them, they have enough flexibility to be able to do so.