LA Lakers in contact to trade for exciting center compared to Dereck Lively, they wanted him in 2024

LA Lakers want Yves Missi

According to Brett Siegel, the LA Lakers are eyeing three new names at the center position, for potential trades.

These are Yves Missi, Nick Richards, and Robert Williams. Of the trio, it is Missi who stands out.

Yves Missi had a promising rookie year, playing in 73 games for the Pelicans, 67 as a starter. He averaged 8.2 rebounds per game.

The Pelicans have since strengthened with the free agent signing of Kevon Looney, and have just traded up to draft Derik Queen.

It’s possible this could make Missi expendable, and is encouraging the Lakers to try and strike a deal.

Lakers wanted Yves Missi one year ago

Intriguingly, Yves Missi was a player the Lakers were keen to land in the 2024 NBA Draft. He went at 21, to the Pelicans, after the Lakers had taken Dalton Knecht at 17.

Earlier this year, it was claimed the Lakers had not expected Knecht to fall to 17, and had been lining up Missi.

Anthony Irwin reported: “Heading into the draft, I was told the Lakers planned to draft a center at 17 and hope for a Dereck Lively type season (they liked Missi). Then, Knecht fell to them and they had already promised to draft Bronny at 55.”

The comparison to Dereck Lively is an interesting one, with the Dallas Mavericks star thriving in his first full season alongside current Lakers star Luka Doncic.

Speaking about Lively when he was drafted, Missi told CBS: “What he did in college definitely translated to the NBA.

“I feel like I did some of the things he was doing last year pretty well, and I hope that next I’ll be able to do the same stuff on the court in the NBA.”