Lakers to Pursue Frontcourt Upgrades After Anthony Davis’ Departure
With Anthony Davis now gone and a critical need for interior size and defensive presence, the Los Angeles Lakers are aggressively targeting frontcourt upgrades this offseason. The departure of Davis, one of the league’s premier big men, left a massive void in their defensive schemes and rebounding structure — one the front office must fill urgently to keep their championship hopes alive.
The Davis Exit & Its Impact
The trade that brought Luka Dončić to Los Angeles was a blockbuster in every sense, but it came at the cost of Anthony Davis, who had been the Lakers’ defensive backbone. His ability to guard multiple positions, alter shots at the rim, and stretch the floor on offense made him a rare two-way weapon. Replacing a player of his caliber isn’t as simple as slotting in another big man. It’s about finding the right balance of size, athleticism, and fit next to the playmaking duo of Dončić and LeBron James.
With Davis gone, the Lakers struggled in the paint, both defensively and on the boards. Jaxson Hayes was serviceable but inconsistent, and the lack of a true interior anchor became evident during their early playoff exit. General Manager Rob Pelinka acknowledged this issue, stating: “We need a center who can protect the rim, rebound, and complement our stars.”
The Search Begins: Center Targets
The Lakers are now canvassing the league for available bigs who can anchor the paint and complement their veteran core. Several names have emerged as viable targets, either via trade, free agency, or sign-and-trade deals.
1. Robert Williams III (Trail Blazers)
Perhaps the most tantalizing defensive prospect available, Robert Williams offers elite shot-blocking and athleticism. When healthy, he’s one of the league’s most intimidating rim protectors. However, injuries have plagued his career — he played fewer than 40 games last season.
Fit with Lakers:
Williams would immediately shore up the Lakers’ interior defense and give Luka a reliable lob target in the pick-and-roll. But the risk of injury looms large, and Portland reportedly wants an unprotected first-round pick in return. The Lakers may need to explore creative trade structures to make this happen.
2. Clint Capela (Hawks)
Capela is a traditional center — an elite rebounder, rim-runner, and interior defender. His presence in the paint and ability to set hard screens would provide valuable support for both Dončić and LeBron. He’s also a relatively durable option, having averaged over 65 games per season the past three years.
Fit with Lakers:
He fits seamlessly into the Lakers’ needs without breaking the bank. Atlanta, currently in a retooling phase, may be open to dealing him for expiring contracts and a future pick.
3. Nic Claxton (Nets)
Claxton is a modern NBA big — athletic, mobile, and switchable on defense. He can guard 1–5, block shots, and finish strong at the rim. Brooklyn extended him recently, making a deal more complex, but not impossible.
Fit with Lakers:
Claxton would provide versatility that neither Capela nor Williams can match. His age (26) makes him an intriguing long-term fit. But his price tag and the Nets’ willingness to trade will be critical factors.
4. Jerami Grant (Trail Blazers)
Though not a traditional center, Grant is being considered as a power forward complement. He brings high-level defense, three-level scoring, and energy on both ends. Portland is rumored to want two first-rounders for him — a steep ask for a non-center.
Fit with Lakers:
While Grant would add athleticism and flexibility, he doesn’t solve the rim protection problem. He could be Plan B if the Lakers can secure a rim protector elsewhere.
5. Walker Kessler (Jazz)
A rising shot-blocker and rebounding machine, Kessler had an impressive season with Utah. However, the Jazz have reportedly labeled him “unavailable,” signaling a high price or flat refusal to trade.
Fit with Lakers:
In an ideal world, Kessler is a perfect long-term answer — but the cost (or unwillingness to trade) likely puts him out of reach.
6. Jakob Poeltl (Raptors)
Poeltl offers reliability, rim protection, and high basketball IQ. His passing out of the post is underrated, and he doesn’t need touches to be effective. With Toronto rebuilding, he could become available.
Fit with Lakers:
He’s a strong fit both defensively and in terms of cap structure. He’s also less flashy, which may allow the Lakers to acquire him without parting with a top asset.
7. Jonas Valančiūnas / Andre Drummond
Veteran options like Valančiūnas and Drummond bring rebounding and size without a high price tag. Both are unrestricted free agents or available via low-cost trade.
Fit with Lakers:
Either could serve as a stopgap or rotation piece, especially if higher-profile moves fall through. They won’t elevate the defense, but they’ll help stabilize the interior.
Strategic Considerations
Balancing Cost & Talent
With limited first-round picks and several player options already exercised, the Lakers have to be mindful of their asset base. Overpaying for a risky player (like Robert Williams) could hamstring them long-term. However, failing to make a move could waste LeBron’s final productive years.
Roster Construction Around Luka & LeBron
The LeBron-Luka pairing demands a rim-rolling, screen-setting center who won’t clog the lane. Capela or Claxton checks more of those boxes than others. Spacing is essential, and ideally, the center adds vertical gravity, rebounding, and defensive awareness without demanding touches.
Health & Availability
Durability is a major factor. After dealing with injury-plagued seasons, the Lakers need a center who can stay on the floor. That makes players like Capela or Poeltl more appealing than high-risk, high-reward options.
Wild Card: Day’Ron Sharpe
Day’Ron Sharpe has been loosely linked to the Lakers. The young big man has shown flashes with the Nets, particularly on the glass. But he’s not ready to be a full-time starter on a contender and would function best as a developmental backup.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
The Lakers are clearly focused on retooling their frontcourt to make a serious run at the title. With LeBron opting into the final year of his deal and Luka Dončić now the centerpiece for the future, the time to act is now. Whether it’s a trade for Capela, a swing for Claxton, or a fallback to Valančiūnas, the decision this summer will have long-lasting implications.
If the front office can find the right balance of size, durability, and affordability, they’ll dramatically improve their interior presence — and potentially their title chances. But if they hesitate or overpay, they could be looking at another wasted season during a critical championship window.
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