Last month, it was reported that the Los Angeles Lakers are building the roster around Luka Doncic, further signaling the passing of the torch from LeBron James.
The Lakers were amid a fiery surge when Doncic suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, practically dooming their campaign. James tried to keep them afloat in the playoffs, but the four-time MVP could only do so much. Simply put, they did not have enough talent, especially in the paint.
Los Angeles is being linked to Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler, who are both restricted free agents, although the Detroit Pistons and the Utah Jazz, respectively, must be keen on re-signing them.
According to Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, the team's priority is getting a center.
“It's what Luka wants. It's how Rob (Pelinka) can keep his star happy and thus remain employed,” wrote Irwin on X.
“I honestly can't tell you which center the Lakers are going to land. What I CAN say is that they're starting their offseason focused on that position.”
In another post, he shared that Kel'el Ware could be another option for the Lakers. He, however, might be a difficult target since he is reportedly part of the Miami Heat's trade package for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“Huge upside and unquestionable talent. Some very fair questions about where his head is consistently at, though,” said Irwin.
He added that the Lakers could make a move on Isaiah Stewart if the Pistons, the Heat, and the Bucks pull off a three-team deal around Antetokounmpo.
“The Lakers, I'm told, have been in touch with Milwaukee about potentially facilitating this deal using some of the cap space that they have, whether that's to add another pick by just taking on a contract or using some of their draft capital to land one of the players who would be going from Miami to Milwaukee in a some kind of rerouting situation,” revealed Irwin in a video.
“That remains to be seen. I personally would love to see Jaime Jaquez as a Laker next season.”
Sources: The Lakers have been in contact with the Bucks and Pistons as a part of a potential multi-team deal that could send Giannis to Miami. Isaiah Stewart is a name that keeps coming up in connection with the Lakers. (For @joinoffside) pic.twitter.com/ruhkL0FxJC
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) June 20, 2026
The Purple and Gold are also being linked to Robert Williams III, but the Portland Trail Blazers are still high on the oft-injured enforcer.
Last offseason, the Lakers tried to plug their hole in the middle by signing Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million contract.
