After pulling off the trade heist of the century, the Los Angeles Lakers still have a big move left to make. They are paper-thin up front after trading star Anthony Davis. Them moving him is ironic because he had pleaded for the Lakers to acquire a center to pair him with.
Now the Lakers still need a center in addition to having to replace Davis. There are a few options potentially available. They could target a less costly player, such as Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams, who probably could be had cheaply.
He is known for his athleticism and rim protection but has been far from reliable given his many health issues. There are other options, such as the Washington Wizards' Jonas Valanciunas, who has been linked to the Lakers throughout this season. However, they should first target a far better option.
After landing Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers must again pursue Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
There have been conflicting reports about the availability of Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz, and if he is available, he may cost the Lakers. The Jazz seem comfortable keeping him but are open to trading him if the right offer comes around.
Now that the Lakers absolutely must upgrade after trading Davis, they could trade the 2024 14th overall pick, Dalton Knetch, and an unprotected 2031 first to the Jazz. They can also remove the protections from the 2027 first Utah already has from the Lakers.
Kessler would be a valuable addition, helping to at least partially replace Davis' defensive presence. Even then, they would be thin up front but could potentially rely more on Jaxson Hayes and Jared Vanderbilt. The Lakers' need for a starting-caliber center will make or break their season.
The Lakers desperately need a new starting center.
After all, they have been eliminated from the playoffs the last two seasons by the Denver Nuggets, and they could potentially play them in the first round this postseason. The Lakers struggled against superstar Nikola Jokic.
Even with Davis. Based on that, starting Hayes against other talented centers such as Victor Wembanyama, Alperin Sengun, and even Davis himself if the Lakers were matched up against the Mavericks isn't a realistic option for them.
They have a potentially dominant one-two punch with LeBron James and Doncic. Nevertheless, Los Angeles may have trouble outscoring opponents in the playoffs consistently, particularly if they are a turnstile on the other end. That makes a potential trade for Kessler crucial.