The Los Angeles Lakers created a roster need when they dealt Anthony Davis to the Mavericks in a blockbuster deal, weakening the frontcourt in exchange for landing a star in Luka Doncic.
The Lakers are expected to address the need this offseason, with reports that the team is looking for a star-caliber center.
Duke center Khaman Maluach — who is expected to be out of reach for the Lakers in the upcoming NBA draft — could ultimately help them find the missing piece.
The Athletic’s Dan Woike noted that this year’s draft is heavy with centers, which could shake loose some veteran talent that could help the Lakers.
“Wednesday’s NBA Draft first round — The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie currently has seven bigs mocked in the first 30 picks — could reset the market a little bit and shake free some of the younger centers the Lakers covet,” Woike wrote. “Maybe Duke’s Khaman Maluach lands in a situation where a team is ready to make him a Day 1 starter, and a reliable player suddenly hits the market at a price the Lakers like.”
LeBron James in a Los Angeles Lakers game.
USA Today predicted that Maluach would land at the No. 8 overall pick, going to the Brooklyn Nets. Others have placed him in the Top 10, potentially giving the Lakers a trade target.
The Lakers could have other players in their sights. Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported that the Lakers have had contact with the Boston Celtics regarding big man Kristaps Porzingis.
