Following an eventful 2024-25 NBA season that saw the Los Angeles Lakers land generational superstar Luka Dončić in a February 2 blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks, expectations skyrocketed. The team finished the regular season with an impressive 50-32 record, looking primed for a deep playoff run. But despite the hype, a glaring weakness haunted them.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and it wasn’t close. The lack of a dominant interior presence became painfully clear as they were ousted in just five games, losing the series 4-1 to the Timberwolves.
Now, weeks after that crushing elimination, the Los Angeles Lakers’ general manager has spoken out about the center position, indicating a strong commitment to addressing the team’s needs.
Rob Pelinka Vows Relentless Pursuit of the Right Center
In a recent interview with Spectrum SportsNet, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was directly asked about his offseason priorities, especially regarding the center position. The 55-year-old executive, known for being measured with his words, delivered a pointed eight-word response: “We won’t rest until we get it right.”
Moreover, Pelinka also stated that the Los Angeles front office is “super active” on the trade market, exploring every avenue to improve the roster.
“Super active,” he said. “We’re gonna turn over every stone and whatever resources the collective bargaining agreement gives us, we’re gonna use to the utmost. That’s what we gotta do,” Pelinka said, emphasizing their aggressive approach.
“We have a couple players with player options, so we’ll get those decisions in just a handful of days, and at that point, we’ll know the tools that we have to go out into free agency and fill out the roster.”
This indicates that the Lakers are waiting for player option decisions to finalize their cap flexibility and available resources for the upcoming free agency period.
Interestingly, the hunt for a center didn’t begin this summer. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin previously revealed on his “Straight Fire” podcast with Jason McIntyre that before the February 6 trade deadline, Pelinka had his eyes on Atlanta Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu. During the 2024-25 season, Okongwu averaged 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game.
When the Okongwu pursuit stalled, Pelinka quickly pivoted to another target. The Lakers then lined up a deal with the Charlotte Hornets for their promising center Mark Williams. The proposed package reportedly included Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 first-round draft pick. However, the trade fell apart at the last minute after Williams failed his physical, leaving Los Angeles back at square one in their search for a starting center.
Mark Williams failed his physical exam with the Lakers after “multiple issues” were displayed, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/FiaV6ljVHL
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 9, 2025
So who’s next for the Lakers? Rumors around the league are now swirling about Los Angeles targeting Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton. A defensive-minded big with switchability and shot-blocking instincts, Claxton put up averages of 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game this past season over 70 games played.
Claxton’s ability to anchor a defense and run the floor would also complement the playmaking brilliance of Dončić and the scoring prowess of LeBron James. Ultimately, it remains to be seen who Pelinka and the Lakers front office will zero in on to address their crucial need for an impactful center.
