The Los Angeles Lakers tried to give Luka Doncic what he wanted before he played in a game for the purple and gold. He asked for a lob threat, and before the deadline, the Lakers traded for Hornets center Mark Williams. Well, they almost did. Los Angeles rescinded the trade because of a failed physical that stirred controversy.
One of the reasons the Lakers fell short in the first round against the Timberwolves was that they didn't have a center. Jaxson Hayes played sparingly after initially replacing Anthony Davis as the starting center when he was injured before the trade. Dorian Finney-Smith started in win-or-go-home Game 5, and Maxi Kleber made his Lakers debut at the five down the stretch.
One of LA's top offseason priorities should be getting Luka the lob threat he wants. The new Lakers superstar will be eligible to sign an extension in August. There has been zero indication that he won't do so, but LA could further guarantee his long-term commitment by bringing in a new center.
Lakers desperately need to find Luka Doncic a lob threat this summer
Rob Pelinka told Luka after the trade (but before the deadline) that he'd look for his desired lob threat on the market, but if a trade didn't happen, Pelinka said it was something the Lakers would "attack" over the summer. After the season ended, Pelinka said one of LA's "primary goals" is strengthening its frontcourt.
It's not like the Lakers are out to find a starting center to make Luka happy, which is important, but it's one of LA's glaring roster needs. LeBron is 40 and is expected to play at least one more season, so they need to maximize the roster to try to win another title with the superstar.
Pelinka could call Dallas and inquire about a trade for Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford. It might sound like a long shot, but it's worth trying, especially since Nico Harrison has a knack for gifting the Lakers players. If Lively or Gafford don't want to be in Dallas long-term, they would jump at the opportunity to play with Luka again. Other centers Pelinka could inquire about include Nic Claxton and Myles Turner (among others).
The Lakers could also pursue Brook Lopez in free agency, even though he's not the lob threat Luka requested. He's 37, but could be a short-term answer if LA can't acquire a better center.
There are several different routes the Lakers could take. What will matter in the end is if they find the center they need to elevate LA to the level it wants to be at.