In one of the most stunning trades in recent NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, reshaping the franchise in an instant. The move gives the Lakers an elite perimeter playmaker to pair with LeBron James but leaves them with a glaring hole in the frontcourt.
With Davis gone, Los Angeles lacks a true defensive anchor at center, and with the trade deadline approaching, the team is reportedly aggressively exploring options to fill the void.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Top 5 Center Targets
Multiple reports indicate the Lakers are looking at several big men to replace Davis, with several emerging as potential targets. While none of them provide Davis’ unique blend of elite defense and offensive versatility, each player offers something that could help stabilize Los Angeles’ rotation down the stretch.
Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors
The Lakers have been linked to Jakob Poeltl, a skilled 7-footer with defensive instincts and rebounding prowess. The 29-year-old center is averaging 14.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists this season while providing strong rim protection. He’s under contract for $19.5 million next season, with a player option for 2026-27, but Toronto reportedly wants multiple first-round picks in return — a price that might be too steep for L.A.
Nikola Vučević, Chicago Bulls
Nikola Vučević is a two-time All-Star who offers more offensive firepower than most of the Lakers’ other targets. He’s putting up 19.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting over 40% from 3. At 34 years old, he’s no longer an elite defender, but his ability to space the floor could complement James and Dončić well. Chicago has been rumored to be open to moving him for a while, though his hefty contract could complicate a deal.
Steven Adams, Houston Rockets
Steven Adams would give the Lakers a bruising presence in the paint. The 31-year-old is one of the best rebounders in the league and sets some of the NBA’s hardest screens, making him an ideal fit alongside L.A.’s ball-dominant stars.
Currently having the biggest down year of his career, Adams is averaging 3.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game this season and could be a more affordable option if the Houston Rockets decide to move on from him.
Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks
One of the best shot-blockers in the NBA, Mitchell Robinson has long been a defensive force in New York. When healthy, he’s an elite rim protector and lob threat, averaging 8.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks throughout his career. However, durability has been a concern, and the Knicks’ asking price is unclear. If available, he would bring a much-needed defensive identity to the Lakers’ interior.
Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks
Clint Capela has been linked to multiple teams, with the Lakers being mentioned most often. The veteran center is averaging 9.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game while playing just 22.4 minutes a night for the Atlanta Hawks. At 6’10” and 256 pounds, he provides the kind of rim protection that new Lakers head coach JJ Redick values, though his offensive limitations make him more of a role player than a difference-maker.
Will the Lakers Land Their New Big Man?
With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Lakers have plenty of decisions to make. Adding Dončić gives them one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, but without a reliable defensive presence at center, their championship hopes could be in jeopardy.
Can Los Angeles find the right frontcourt partner for their new superstar duo, or will they roll the dice with their current rotation and hope James and Dončić can carry the load?
