Lakers have already lost an optimal trade target before the season even begins

The Los Angeles Lakers are nearing the start of the 2024-25 NBA regular season with a void at an essential position. It's a compromising situation for Los Angeles to find itself in, primarily due to how it directly impacts the franchise player.

Unfortunately, one of the more intriguing options for improvement has been removed from the open market, thus limiting the trade targets for the Lakers to consider in 2024-25.

Anthony Davis requested in both 2023 and 2024 that the Lakers add a center who can enable him to play fewer minutes at the position. Unfortunately, Los Angeles has thus far failed to provide an upgrade at the 5-spot, thus leaving their franchise player's request on perpetual hold.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, one of the Lakers' most ideal trade options, Wendell Carter Jr., has signed a three-year, $59 million extension with the Orlando Magic.

Carter and the Lakers were never formally linked, but as the organization searched for options at center, he looked the part of an ideal fit.

Wendell Carter Jr. signs extension with Magic, officially off Lakers radar

Carter, 25, is entering his seventh season in the NBA. After spending two-and-a-half years with the Chicago Bulls, he was traded to the Magic and has since become one of the most consistently productive players on the roster.

This past season, Carter averaged 11.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.0 offensive boards, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 three-point field goals made on .525/.374/.694 shooting.

A stretch big who has adapted his game to the structure of the modern era, Carter is one of the more intriguing centers in the NBA. He balances his ability to space the floor with impressive production on the offensive glass, which was a primary reason he made so much sense for the Lakers.

While Carter averaged 2.0 offensive rebounds per game, Los Angeles ranked dead last in the same statistic during the 2023-24 regular season.

Carter is no longer available, however, which means the Lakers' already limited list of options has become significantly less appealing. The goal is likely to find a player who can provide 25-plus quality minutes on a team-friendly contract that can be acquired at a reasonable trading price.

Carter is owed $11,950,000 for the 2024-25 season and $10,850,000 in 2025-26, which is the ideal price range considering Davis will likely close out playoff games at the 5.

Los Angeles will now need to decide between developing talent from within, an unexpected trade target, and potentially overpaying based on need. It's an unfavorable set of conditions to operate within, but it's the hand being dealt to Rob Pelinka at this stage of the offseason.

Whether or not Carter to the Lakers would've materialized at some point in 2024-25, the dwindling list of options at center remains a concern in Los Angeles.