New Orleans Pelicans: Why Kelly Olynyk Isn't Shocked With Yves Missi's Inclusion in the 2024-25 NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team 1 Nov 4, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

'He May Be More Obtainable Than Many Would Imagine' – Los Angeles Lakers Target New Orleans Pelicans Youngster for Center Depth, Claims Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 8:32 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are still looking for a center upgrade this offseason. They were linked with Deandre Ayton, recently bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, but no move has been confirmed just yet.

According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Los Angeles Lakers also have New Orleans Pelicans’ Yves Missi as another potential target to monitor (via trade).

“Missi is a very intriguing name to emerge as a trade target for the Lakers. The 21-year-old was recently named to the 2024-25 All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in his first season with the Pelicans,” Siegel wrote in his column.

New Orleans Pelicans Big Emerges as the Surprise Early Candidate to Win the 2024-25 NBA ROY Award 1 Oct 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) reacts against the Orlando Magic at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

“The 21st-overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft may be more obtainable than many would imagine, especially after New Orleans flipped their front office around in the offseason, replacing David Griffin with Joe Dumars. Since Dumars took over, the Pelicans have been very aggressive in trade talks around the league, sources said,” he added.

Los Angeles Lakers’ other reported center targets

In the same report, Brett Siegel also listed Nick Richards , Robert Williams III, Wendell Carter Jr., and Goga Bitadze as some of the centers that the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in.

Ex-Celtics Player Achieves Incredibly Rare NBA Feat Last Done by James Wothy in 1983 1 Nov 12, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images

“Los Angeles has been linked to Richards already this offseason by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, who also reported that the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are among several teams to inquire about the athletic big man,” Siegel explained.

“With the Blazers waiving Deandre Ayton, who is rumored to be another player Los Angeles is gathering more information on, it appears Williams’ price has decreased from where it stood before the trade deadline in February… The Orlando Magic are another team the Lakers have contacted regarding Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze, sources said,” he added.