The Lakers need a center, but what exactly do they need from them?

The Los Angeles Lakers have exhausted several resources to produce an upgrade at center. Between the two-way contract that was given to Christian Koloko, the development of Jaxson Hayes, and the perusal of the trade market, Los Angeles is going all-in on honoring a longstanding Anthony Davis request.

As the early stages of the 2024-25 regular season take shape, however, a simple question exists: What exactly do the Lakers need from a center?

Hayes has taken on the role of backup center during the first four games of the 2024-25 regular season. He's provided value as a rim-running big whose length and athleticism enable off-ball value on offense and paint protection defensively.

Hayes remains a generally raw talent as far as the refinement of his skill set is concerned, however, and that may prove detrimental moving forward.

It's possible that he'll continue to grow within his current role and thus eliminate the persistent thoughts of a trade. Even if that's due to transpire, the Lakers will still need to define what success would entail as far as acquiring or developing a backup center is concerned.

The ideal definition will likely begin with a characteristic that can't be understated: Positive value on the defensive end of the floor.

Lakers need a center who can limit Anthony Davis' defensive burden

Davis began establishing himself as one of the best two-way players in the world during his rookie season. 12 years later, he continues to be a dominant force on both ends of the floor, due in no small part to his unrivaled versatility on defense.

For as impressive as Davis is as a defender, the Lakers need a center who can make life easier for the five-time All-Defense honoree.

Adding a center who can at least adequately protect the paint must be a priority. A fundamentally sound defender would give Davis a chance to anchor the defense without being pulled in a different direction every time the ball swings due to the absence of an additional rim protector.

It would also be ideal for said player to thrive as a post defender for a seemingly inevitable postseason encounter with Nikola Jokic.

With a player who can help anchor the interior while Davis is either out of the game or consumed by his perimeter duties, the Lakers would take an instant step forward. It's possible that Hayes will emerge as that player, but Los Angeles needs to be certain before it waives off a potential trade.

The Lakers would be wise to aim higher than a player who's simply a quality defender, but it's a minimum standard worth setting.

For optimal balance, an offensively inclined center would be a dream

Defense is an understandable priority, but the Lakers lose a great deal of their offensive efficacy when Davis heads to the bench. His ability to initiate offense from the low, high, and mid-post areas is nothing short of vital to helping Los Angeles operate at its peak level.

Few bigs can rival what Davis offers on offense, but finding a player who can provide on-ball value at center would fill a glaring void.

Being able to utilize the backup center in a role that generates offense would alleviate a great deal of pressure from a second unit that lacks consistent shot creators. Dalton Knecht has upside and Gabe Vincent can be effective in isolation, but one is a rookie and the other has limitations at 6'2".

With a center who can create offense when the other reserves are faltering, every player on the second unit would find it significantly easier to put an end to a cold stretch.

LeBron James seems to feel the same, as Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that the four-time MVP wanted Los Angeles to sign Jonas Valanciunas during free agency. The book isn't closed on that possibility, as Valanciunas will become eligible to be traded by the Washington Wizards on December 15.

Regardless of who the Lakers opt to slot into the backup center role, however, it's become abundantly clear that the team needs genuine two-way value, even if one strength slightly outweighs the other.

Finding a player of that caliber will be the key to Los Angeles either unlocking its potential or falling short of its full capabilities.