The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the offseason with a glaring need: upgrading the frontcourt. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit, it’s clear the team is on the hunt for a reliable presence at center.
Jaxson Hayes started four of the Lakers’ five playoff games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but struggled significantly, unable to produce more than two points or three rebounds in any of those appearances. He didn’t even log a minute in Game 5. With Hayes’ underwhelming postseason and a thin rotation at the five, it’s no surprise the Lakers are being linked to multiple big men in trade rumors and free agency buzz.
Here’s a breakdown of the names connected to L.A. so far:
Jakob Poeltl
Contract: Signed for 2025–26, with a player option for 2026–27.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Lakers could pursue a trade for Jakob Poeltl if he and the Toronto Raptors don’t reach an extension agreement.
“Poeltl is owed $19.5 million for the 2025-26 season and has a player option for the same figure for the 2026-27 season,” Scotto wrote. “Should Poeltl not get an extension done with Toronto, a team such as the Los Angeles Lakers – who are seeking an upgrade at center – could have trade interest. Poeltl has previously signaled he’d like to get an extension done and remain a Raptor, if possible, and [Masai] Ujiri called him a ‘backbone’ during his exit media availability.”
Poeltl has quietly been one of the NBA’s most reliable rim protectors, averaging nearly a double-double across his past four seasons while maintaining strong defensive numbers.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Contract: Set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is arguably the most impactful two-way big man connected to the Lakers so far. A former Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson spaces the floor (career 35.1% from three) and has led the league in blocks twice. But a trade remains unlikely.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently stated there’s “no chance” the Memphis Grizzlies will move Jackson, especially after dealing Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic.
Walker Kessler
Contract: On rookie deal; restricted free agent in 2026.
Few under-25 big men have shown as much promise as Walker Kessler. In 2024–25, the Utah Jazz center averaged 11.1 points on 66.3% shooting, dominating on the glass and leading the league with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game.
Still, acquiring him could prove difficult.
The Athletic’s Jovan Buha recently shared, “I think the issue with Walker Kessler and with Utah in general is their asking prices tend to be higher, and I think to trade a Lauri [Markkanen] or to trade a Walker, it is going to be a high price.”
He added, “I just don’t know if they have the requisite assets to get a Walker Kessler… that price is very high, and I don’t know if the Lakers can get to it.
John Collins
Contract: Holds a player option for 2025–26.
Trade conversations between the Lakers and Jazz reportedly included John Collins, though he’s more of a natural power forward.
“The Lakers-John Collins has been a conversation that’s been had,” noted Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune. “The Warriors were interested at the trade deadline before they got Jimmy Butler… I don’t expect the Jazz to get value back necessarily in those deals though.”
While not a traditional five, Collins did average 19.0 points while shooting nearly 40% from deep last season.
Others on the Radar
Nic Claxton & Daniel Gafford
According to LA Times’ Dan Woike, Claxton and Gafford have emerged as targets early in the offseason:
“The team has shown no interest in using [Austin] Reaves in a trade that nets them anything less than a top-tier big… the two most common names linked to them… are Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton and Dallas’ Daniel Gafford.”
Goga Bitadze, Luke Kornet, Day’Ron Sharpe, Larry Nance Jr., Precious Achiuwa
The Orange County Register’s Khobi Price also identified a handful of more realistic or lower-cost names. Of that group, Luke Kornet stood out with a strong postseason performance for the Boston Celtics, including a 7-block game against the Knicks.
—
Robert Williams III, Brook Lopez, Clint Capela
Finally, Anthony Irwin reported that L.A. is weighing veteran options to strengthen their bench:
“Sources say they’ve held conversations with other teams about Nic Claxton, Robert Williams, Walker Kessler and others – then, ideally, use the taxpayer midlevel on his backup – Brook Lopez and Clint Capela are the two names most often linked to the Lakers.”
Lopez, who previously played briefly in L.A., and Clint Capela, known for his elite lob-finishing ability, are both experienced fits.
—
As the Lakers explore every path to fortify their interior defense and rebounding, expect more names to surface in the coming weeks. Whether it’s a splashy trade or a smart depth signing, one thing is clear — the front office is leaving no stone unturned in the search for a game-changing big man.
