Top center candidates for the Lakers

Last week, before the big trade, Anthony Davis himself argued that the Lakers needed another center. With him gone, that need has become acute.

Here are some centers who could fit the bill:

Jonas Valanciunas, Washington Wizards

Before the season, Valanciunas was one of the players LeBron James said he'd take a pay cut to help the Lakers sign. Instead, Valanciunas signed with the Washington Wizards. He's a good scorer and rebounder inside, and he's on a reasonable contract (and would likely be available for one or two second-round picks). The downside is that he's not a great rim protector or outside shooter, and he doesn't do well switching onto smaller players.

That being said, being a LeBron James favorite goes far with the Lakers front office.

Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets

Claxton is an athletic rim protector who finished ninth in the Defensive Player of the Year vote, then signed a four-year contract worth $97M last summer. 

This season, he's taken a step back in every category, from points to rebounds to blocked shots, though he may be struggling as the tanking Nets are selling off veterans. He could be next to go, though his big salary might make a trade to the Lakers complicated.

Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors

The 29-year-old Poeltl is a solid defender and a great glue guy, setting screens and passing well. He's averaging 14.4 points and 10.3 rebounds this season, and he's signed through next season for just under $20M per year. He'd be a great fit alongside James and could stabilize the leaky defense, but he'll also come at a cost.

The Raptors are said to be seeking multiple firsts for Poeltl, who they're not eager to trade. After spending only one first-rounder to get Doncic, do the Lakers have the trade capital to get Poeltl?

Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls

Vucevic would help the Lakers up their three-point shooting — they're 23rd in the NBA in three-point attempts — but he's nowhere near Davis as a defensive player. He's the most talented offensive center available, and he shouldn't cost much as the Bulls are slowly dismantling their team after this weekend's Zach LaVine trade. 

If the Lakers can stomach Vucevic's $21.4M salary next season, he could likely be had for a second-round pick or two.

Deandre Ayton/Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers

Ayton is a former No. 1 pick (selected two picks ahead of Doncic) who is averaging 14.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and nearly a block per game. The seven-footer was a starting center on an NBA Finals team in 2021 and he's still only 26. The downside? He's making nearly $70M over this year and the next.

Williams started at center on a Finals team in 2022 and has proven to be a game-changing defender when healthy. The key phrase is "when healthy." He's played only 17 games this season after playing just six in 2023-24. Portland has a surplus at center, having drafted Donovan Clingan in the lottery last June. Either center could help the Lakers, but both represent a huge risk.