In some capacity, the Lakers had attempted to bring in a center around the time of the Davis trade. The Purple and Gold almost completed a trade to see Charlotte Hornets  center Mark Williams  join the side. However, they rescinded the trade  shortly after.
Although it was claimed to be due to medical issues, recent claims  suggested that the Lakers felt like they were overpaying for Williams. Left without a functional big man in their rotation, the Purple and Gold proceeded to adapt to playing with Jaxson Hayes  as the starting center.
As things stand, the Lakers have been linked to a lot of centers who could potentially bolster their rotation. Pelinka’s statement presents the template for two very different types of centers – a stretch big man, who can provide floor spacing, and an athletic big man, who can act as a lob threat.
However, the most important detail that the team is likely to be on the lookout for is a center who can also act as a rim protector. Trading Davis had a massive impact on the Lakers’ internal defense. As one of the premier defensive players in the league, the former Lakers center used to shut down the basket for opposing teams.
The team has currently been tied to players such as Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela , Minnesota Timberwolves  big man Naz Reid , and Indiana Pacers  center Myles Turner , among others .
Replicating Davis’ defensive work is going to prove to be a challenge. However, this offseason will require the front office to put in this kind of work if they hope to be contenders next season .
With Luka Doncic’s contract extension  due in August and LeBron James’ tentative future in the NBA  emerging as pressing matters to be addressed, the Purple and Gold will have their hands full.
Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka acknowledged the team’s dire need of a center heading into the offseason. While speaking at the Lakers’ end of season press conference, Pelinka outlined the type of center the team would be looking to acquire.
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