The Los Angeles Lakers may face a major frontcourt decision this offseason, and one veteran center could be at risk of losing his role if the team decides to prioritize defense.
After another season filled with defensive inconsistencies, the Lakers may look to reshape their roster around players who can stabilize the interior. That reality could put Deandre Ayton in an uncomfortable position if the team pursues Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz.
While Ayton remains a productive offensive center, Los Angeles may ultimately prioritize defense over versatility at the position.
The Los Angeles Lakers defense remains a major problem
The Lakers have struggled to establish themselves as a reliable defensive team this season. As for March, they rank 22nd, and slightly improved their defensive ranking.
They currently rank near the bottom of the league in several defensive metrics, particularly when it comes to protecting the paint and limiting easy baskets at the rim. Opposing teams have repeatedly exposed those weaknesses.
That issue becomes even more concerning when looking ahead to next season. Only a few experts really count them as a contender this year. So it makes sense to plan ahead.
If the Lakers want to compete deep into the playoffs long-term, stabilizing their defensive structure will likely become a priority. Interior defense and rim protection often define playoff success, and Los Angeles currently lacks a consistent anchor in that area.
That reality makes a player like Walker Kessler especially intriguing. The Lakers already tried to acquire him multiple times, but next season might be finally the year that they get him.
Walker Kessler could be the defensive solution
Kessler has quietly developed into one of the NBA’s most effective young rim protectors, and would be an easier catch then to get Giannis Antetokounmpo.
His shot-blocking instincts, size, and defensive positioning allow him to alter shots and control the paint in ways few players can. Even when he isn’t blocking shots, his presence alone changes how opponents attack the basket.
Adding Kessler would give Los Angeles a true defensive backbone in the frontcourt. It would also allow the team’s perimeter defenders to play more aggressively knowing there is reliable help at the rim.
However, that move would inevitably create a complicated situation for Deandre Ayton - he is a valuable piece.
Deandre Ayton’s skill set may not match the Lakers’ needs
To be clear, Ayton is far from an ineffective player. He remains an efficient offensive center who can score without needing a high volume of touches. His ability to finish around the rim, convert mid-range looks, and rebound makes him a valuable contributor.
Recently, however, Ayton publicly expressed frustration with his limited role as primarily a lob threat in the Lakers’ offense.
From his perspective, that frustration is understandable. Ayton believes he can offer far more offensively than simply finishing alley-oops.
The challenge is that the Lakers may not need that type of offensive versatility from their center position.
The Lakers could prioritize fit over talent
Ayton might be the more versatile offensive player. But Kessler’s defensive identity could make him the cleaner fit for what the Lakers appear to be missing.
If the front office decides that rim protection and defensive stability are the priorities moving forward, Ayton’s role could quickly become uncertain.
The Lakers would then face a difficult decision: continue building around a skilled but offensively oriented center, or pivot toward a defense-first big man who fills a more specific need.
If Kessler becomes available this summer, the answer could reshape the Lakers’ frontcourt - and potentially leave Deandre Ayton without a clear place in the team’s long-term plans.