The Los Angeles Lakers simply cannot enter next season with the same Deandre Ayton-Jaxson Hayes center situation that they had in 2025-26. Re-signing Hayes -- if it's on a cheap deal -- might be wise for Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, as Hayes established good chemistry as a lob threat with Luka Doncic this season.
Ayton, on the other hand, caused way too many issues with his unpredictable effort, and despite some solid showings in the postseason, the Lakers should plan on moving on from Deandre. If he decides to exercise his $8.1 million player option, so be it. Look for a trade, and then upgrade.
But who can the Lakers acquire to fix their center situation? Restricted free agent Jalen Duren is going to be wildly expensive to pry away from the Detroit Pistons, and the Lakers would likely have to forego a reunion with LeBron James to have a shot at Duren. That's not happening.
The Lakers might still go after Walker Kessler this offseason
The other big name that's constantly been linked to the Lakers -- beyond Duren -- is Utah Jazz seven-footer, Walker Kessler. Like Duren, Kessler is a restricted free agent, and like Duren, Kessler will be tough to pry away from his current team.
But that didn't stop FanSided's Matt John from speculating that the Lakers might have the second-best chance in the entire NBA to steal away Kessler from Utah.
John pointed out that the Lakers have a history of pulling off miraculous signings based on the preeminence of their brand. Moreover, John reminded everyone that Austin Reaves has long been linked to the Jazz as one of their trade targets, leading to the possibility of a dual sign-and-trade involving Reaves and Kessler.
John ultimately surmised that the Lakers might be able to give Kessler a "big enough offer sheet to make Utah uncomfortable," with only the Chicago Bulls, in John's eyes, in a better position -- economically and basketball need-wise -- to go out and make a player for the big man.
The Jazz better hope that the Lakers are too caught up in cap complexities to pursue Kessler
If John's estimate is sound, Utah might be in real danger of losing Kessler to LA this offseason, which could have their front office trembling. On the other hand, the reality of the Lakers' cap situation is far less flexible than has been let on in the national media, and it feels unlikely that LA would be able to make a play for Kesser, unless they do, in fact, decide to move on from Reaves.
Add us as a preferred source on Google