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The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason knowing exactly what their biggest roster need is.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Luka Dončić has made his preference clear to the organization.
"Luka's first and foremost desire is an A-list center," a source told ESPN.
It is hardly surprising.
Throughout his career, Dončić has thrived alongside athletic big men who can finish at the rim, set strong screens, and be a defensive anchor on the other end.
From his time with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford in Dallas, Dončić has consistently elevated centers who can operate as lob threat finishers.
If the Lakers want to maximize Dončić and build a legitimate championship roster, finding the right center has to be their top priority this summer.
Luka Doncic (77) drives past Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Still, at just 24 years old, Walker Kessler checks nearly every box the Lakers are looking for at the frontcourt.
The 7-foot center emerged as one of the NBA's best rim protectors during the 2024-25 season, but was unable to replicate that this past season due to a season-ending shoulder injury to repair a labral tear.
Kessler's game fits perfectly alongside Dončić. He thrives as a rim-runner, finishes efficiently around the basket as a lob threat, and anchors a defense without needing touches with a 2.4 career block average.
ESPN reported that the Lakers have already done their due diligence on Kessler as a potential restricted free-agent target.
The challenge, however, is convincing the Utah Jazz not to match any offer sheet.
Jalen Duren (0) battles for position between Los Angeles Lakers Jaxson Hayes (11) and Deandre Ayton (5) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena.
Another center reportedly on the Lakers' radar is Detroit Pistons All-Star big man Jalen Duren.
At just 22 years old, Duren entered the NBA at 19 and already has four seasons under his belt at 22 years old.
He has already developed into one of the league's most athletic centers with his first All-Star bid last season, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds.
Duren's explosiveness as a rim-runner and lob threat could unlock another dimension of the Lakers' offense.
Like Kessler, Duren is a restricted free agent, meaning Detroit would have the opportunity to match any offer.
Mitchell Robinson (23) fights for a rebound against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden.
If the Lakers are unable to land one of the younger restricted free agents, Mitchell Robinson could represent a more realistic veteran option at a much lower cost.
Robinson, 28, played an important role for the New York Knicks during their championship run, giving them huge interior toughness off the bench.
He arguably had the biggest play of his career in Game 5, securing an offensive rebound late to secure the Knicks' first championship in 53 years.
Injuries are a major concern for the Florida native, playing in just 108 games in the last three seasons.
His tenacious rebuilding and rim-protecting would make for a useful piece in L.A. He averaged nine rebounds in 19.6 minutes a game (60 games) last season for the Knicks.
Robinson wouldn't be their long term soultion but someone they can add if plans don't go according to plan as a solid rotation big man similar to his time in New York.
Luka Doncic (77) scores past Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers have made it clear that the franchise is building around Dončić, and the superstar guard appears eager to see the front office capitalize on this pivotal offseason.
Whether it is Kessler, Duren, Robinson, or another target entirely, one thing is certain: finding a high-level center is at the top of the Lakers' offseason agenda.
After all, if the Lakers want to maximize Dončić's championship window, giving him the elite frontcourt partner he has requested may be the most important move they make this summer.
Continue reading...
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Luka Dončić has made his preference clear to the organization.
"Luka's first and foremost desire is an A-list center," a source told ESPN.
It is hardly surprising.
Throughout his career, Dončić has thrived alongside athletic big men who can finish at the rim, set strong screens, and be a defensive anchor on the other end.
From his time with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford in Dallas, Dončić has consistently elevated centers who can operate as lob threat finishers.
If the Lakers want to maximize Dončić and build a legitimate championship roster, finding the right center has to be their top priority this summer.
Walker Kessler
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Luka Doncic (77) drives past Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Still, at just 24 years old, Walker Kessler checks nearly every box the Lakers are looking for at the frontcourt.
The 7-foot center emerged as one of the NBA's best rim protectors during the 2024-25 season, but was unable to replicate that this past season due to a season-ending shoulder injury to repair a labral tear.
Kessler's game fits perfectly alongside Dončić. He thrives as a rim-runner, finishes efficiently around the basket as a lob threat, and anchors a defense without needing touches with a 2.4 career block average.
ESPN reported that the Lakers have already done their due diligence on Kessler as a potential restricted free-agent target.
The challenge, however, is convincing the Utah Jazz not to match any offer sheet.
Jalen Duren
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Jalen Duren (0) battles for position between Los Angeles Lakers Jaxson Hayes (11) and Deandre Ayton (5) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena.
Another center reportedly on the Lakers' radar is Detroit Pistons All-Star big man Jalen Duren.
At just 22 years old, Duren entered the NBA at 19 and already has four seasons under his belt at 22 years old.
He has already developed into one of the league's most athletic centers with his first All-Star bid last season, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds.
Duren's explosiveness as a rim-runner and lob threat could unlock another dimension of the Lakers' offense.
Like Kessler, Duren is a restricted free agent, meaning Detroit would have the opportunity to match any offer.
Mitchell Robinson
You must be registered for see images attach
Mitchell Robinson (23) fights for a rebound against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden.
If the Lakers are unable to land one of the younger restricted free agents, Mitchell Robinson could represent a more realistic veteran option at a much lower cost.
Robinson, 28, played an important role for the New York Knicks during their championship run, giving them huge interior toughness off the bench.
He arguably had the biggest play of his career in Game 5, securing an offensive rebound late to secure the Knicks' first championship in 53 years.
Injuries are a major concern for the Florida native, playing in just 108 games in the last three seasons.
His tenacious rebuilding and rim-protecting would make for a useful piece in L.A. He averaged nine rebounds in 19.6 minutes a game (60 games) last season for the Knicks.
Robinson wouldn't be their long term soultion but someone they can add if plans don't go according to plan as a solid rotation big man similar to his time in New York.
You must be registered for see images attach
Luka Doncic (77) scores past Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Final Thoughts
The Lakers have made it clear that the franchise is building around Dončić, and the superstar guard appears eager to see the front office capitalize on this pivotal offseason.
Whether it is Kessler, Duren, Robinson, or another target entirely, one thing is certain: finding a high-level center is at the top of the Lakers' offseason agenda.
After all, if the Lakers want to maximize Dončić's championship window, giving him the elite frontcourt partner he has requested may be the most important move they make this summer.
Continue reading...
