The offseason is finally here, and the Los Angeles Lakers have a problem that won’t go away. They need a starting center who can actually play next to Luka Doncic, not just someone who fills minutes. The Deandre Ayton experiment had moments. Jaxson Hayes developed real chemistry with Doncic, but he’s a backup. That much is clear.
Doncic was reportedly told to be patient until the summer of 2026 for the Lakers to make a major push. But the rumor mill says a top-tier big man is at the top of his wishlist. With the Western Conference getting tougher by the week, the Lakers can’t afford to wait another year to address the frontcourt. Here are the realistic options they should be chasing.
Walker Kessler is the ideal fit but the price is complicated
The Lakers have been tied to Walker Kessler for a while. Reports this week suggested some friction between Kessler and the Utah Jazz front office regarding a new contract. Kessler himself pushed back on that narrative, saying he’s not unhappy in Utah. Still, that doesn’t mean a deal is close.
Kessler is a restricted free agent, which makes things tricky. If the Jazz don’t sign him before free agency opens, the Lakers could try a sign-and-trade. That would require creativity from the front office, something that hasn’t always been their strength. Kessler averaged 9.5 points and 9.3 rebounds over four seasons, with those numbers jumping to double digits the last two years. He missed most of last season with injuries, but his age matches Doncic’s timeline perfectly. He solves the rim protection problem immediately.
Jalen Duren is a proven All-Star but Detroit won’t make it easy
Jalen Duren is another restricted free agent, and he’s more established than Kessler. He made his first All-Star team this season, putting up career numbers with 19 points and 10 rebounds per game. His defense was a game-changer during the Pistons’ playoff run, even if his offense had some rough stretches.
But the Pistons have no reason to let him go. They don’t have anyone to replace a young All-Star who anchors their defense. Unless Duren forces his way out — and there’s zero indication he wants to — Detroit isn’t entertaining sign-and-trade offers. Still, if the Lakers can find a path to a 22-year-old averaging a double-double, they have to at least try.
Mitchell Robinson is the most direct route but comes with questions
The problem with chasing restricted free agents is time. If the Lakers throw an offer sheet at Kessler or Duren, their cap space is frozen until Utah or Detroit decides to match. By then, every other decent center could be off the board.
Mitchell Robinson is an unrestricted free agent. He can sign immediately, no waiting period. The former first-round pick just won a title with the New York Knicks, and his defense against Victor Wembanyama in the Finals was a huge factor. After eight seasons in the league and a championship ring, Robinson might be ready for a larger role.
He’s not on Duren’s level offensively, and his ceiling isn’t as high as Kessler’s. But the Lakers would immediately improve defensively and on the glass. And Robinson is a perfect lob threat for Doncic. If the restricted free agent route leads to a dead end, the Lakers need to pivot to Robinson fast.
Robert Williams III is the high-risk, high-reward wild card
Robert Williams III is an unrestricted free agent who has played more than 60 games exactly once in eight seasons. That’s the concern. But last season, he played 59 games — the second-most of his career — thanks to a solid injury management plan. He averaged 6.7 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 70.8 percent from the field.
Williams would come cheaper and on a shorter term than the other options. When healthy, he’s an impact big man who can change the game defensively. It’s a risk, but one worth taking if Kessler, Duren, and Robinson are all off the table.
The Lakers have options. But the clock is ticking, and Doncic’s patience probably isn’t infinite.
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