As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are focusing on improving their roster, particularly by securing a backup center to support Anthony Davis. This need mirrors their 2020 championship run, where JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard anchored the paint. Davis has been advocating for a similar setup, but finding the right trade deal is challenging. Some potential options could work, but others may be costly mistakes.
Walker Kessler, a promising young rim protector, is an appealing choice. He’s averaging 2.4 blocks per game and shooting an impressive 71.8% from the field. Kessler, just 23, has a favorable contract at $2 million annually for the next two seasons. However, the Utah Jazz reportedly want a first-round pick for him, and they may not even be willing to trade him. The Lakers are hoping to strike a deal involving Kessler and Collin Sexton, but that will require serious negotiation.
If Kessler is unattainable, Myles Turner remains a top target. Turner offers everything the Lakers need—elite shot-blocking, three-point shooting, and the ability to play alongside Davis without clogging the paint. He’s currently shooting 40% from deep and remains one of the NBA’s top rim protectors. However, the price has always been a hurdle, as Indiana is unlikely to trade him for cheap, and with his free agency looming, Turner could demand a $30 million-per-year contract. The Lakers would risk losing him in the summer after trading valuable assets.
Another option is Jonas Valančiūnas, a physical presence in the paint who shoots 55.4% from the field. At 32, he’s an experienced scorer who could immediately contribute to the Lakers’ playoff push. However, Washington is asking for a first-round pick, which might be too much for a player who doesn’t block shots or stretch the floor.
Jakob Poeltl, having a standout season with the Toronto Raptors, is another big man linked to the Lakers. At 7 feet and 260 pounds, Poeltl averages 14.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, providing solid support for Davis. But like Turner and Valančiūnas, Poeltl carries a $20 million salary, and acquiring him could cost the Lakers several key players, making it a steep price for a player who might not be a long-term fit with Davis.
While the Lakers are actively pursuing a big man, they must avoid some deals. One such name is Brandon Ingram, whom the Pelicans are reportedly considering trading. While Ingram’s stats look great, acquiring him would require giving up Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, weakening the Lakers’ perimeter defense. Additionally, Ingram is due for a big contract extension, making this trade a risky move for a team already managing its cap space.
Another player on the rumor mill is Kyle Kuzma, but this deal doesn’t make sense for the Lakers. They just acquired Dorian Finney-Smith, so another forward addition would only add unnecessary depth. Kuzma’s struggles this season, with a shooting efficiency of 42.1% from the field and 29.3% from three, raise further concerns about his fit.
The Lakers have also been linked to Lonzo Ball, but this is an even worse option. Ball has been sidelined for nearly three years due to knee injuries, and Chicago will likely ask for a significant return. The Lakers should avoid the risk of trading for a player who may not even be healthy.
Cam Johnson is another name that’s been linked to the Lakers due to his elite shooting. Averaging 19.4 points per game and shooting 41.9% from three, he’d provide a boost to the Lakers’ offense. However, the cost could be too high, as Brooklyn may demand a first-round pick, and the Lakers have already bolstered their forward depth with Finney-Smith.
With LeBron and Davis pushing for a trade, Rob Pelinka has a tough decision to make. Making no move is not an option, but overpaying for a poor fit or unnecessary addition could also be damaging. The ideal approach is to secure a reliable big man without sacrificing too many assets. Myles Turner, Walker Kessler, and Jonas Valančiūnas could be good fits, but trading for players like Ingram, Kuzma, or Ball would likely make things worse. The Lakers don’t need a blockbuster trade, just the right one. With the deadline looming, Pelinka has one chance to get it right.
