Lakers Target Three Centers As They Seemingly Move On From Deandre Ayton Interest

The Lakers are desperately looking to add size to their roster after making their intentions clear on building around Luka Doncic for their future and saving cap space for 2027. After Deandre Ayton agreed to a contract buyout with the Blazers, he was widely expected to be on top of the Lakers' target list. They also lost their initial two targets in free agency: Brook Lopez to the Clippers and Clint Capela to the Rockets. 

But according to sources, the Lakers are targeting three other centers instead of looking at Ayton as a solution to their problems. Summarized by ClutchPoints, the Lakers are looking at Nick Richards (Phoenix Suns), Yves Missi (New Orleans Pelicans), and Robert Williams (Portland Trail Blazers) as potential options to fill the starting center role.

One thing in common among all three players is that they are on expiring contracts with their teams. Therefore, the Lakers will not have to give up a lot in a potential trade for either of these players, as even the Lakers have multiple expiring contracts on the team: Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, and Maxi Kleber. 

Therefore, if they cannot come to an agreement with any free agent in the market, then they will likely look to trade for any of these three players. It seems like the rational choice for the Lakers if they cannot find a suitable free agent, to then look for alternative options in the trade market. 

Nick Richards is expected to earn $5 million in the 2025-26 season, while Missi and Williams are expected to earn $3.3 million and $13.28 million, respectively. Williams will be the best fit for a starting-caliber center on this Lakers roster. Across seven seasons in the NBA, he averaged 7.2 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 72.3% from the field. 

But he will likely be the hardest to get in a trade, as the Blazers already gave up a lot of size by letting Ayton go this summer. While they do have two young bigs in Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, Williams provides the veteran experience that they need to help these young bigs excel. 

In my opinion, the most favorable option for the Lakers if they cannot come to terms with Ayton would be Yves Missi. The Pelicans center averaged 9.1 points and 8.2 rebounds in his rookie season while shooting 54.7% from the field (mostly close finishes). At 6'11, he is a perfect lob threat to go alongside Luka Doncic in the rebuild for the Lakers.  

He is in the second year of a team-friendly contract that has two years of team options. In essence, he could be in the final year of his contract if the Pelicans do not decide to pick up his team option. Missi was the 21st pick in the 2024 draft, but his future with the Pelicans is uncertain following the arrival of Derik Queen in this season's draft.