The Los Angeles Lakers are widely believed to be in the market for an upgrade over starting center Deandre Ayton. Ayton had a turbulent first season in Los Angeles, with inconsistency on both ends of the floor marring his progress. Unfortunately, each of the top available centers carry their own share of concerning qualities, including injury histories, underperformance, and questionable market value.
It's the unfortunate truth that Los Angeles must ultimately decide on the importance of: Every one of their dream offseason targets at the center position could realistically become nightmare signings.
Duren, 22, epitomizes the harsh reality of how dangerous a big contract could be. He was sensational during the regular season, averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game, and displaying the characteristics of an ideal fit alongside Luka Doncic.
Unfortunately, Duren was at the heart of constant criticism after averaging just 10.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during the 2026 NBA Playoffs—sharp declines of 9.0 points and 2.0 rebounds from the regular season.
Though it's currently unclear how his underperformance has influenced his market value, there are reasonable concerns over whether the Lakers should even make an offer at this stage. They're already due to give out a big new contract to Austin Reaves and have Luka Doncic signed for three years and $163.38 million.
Though Duren may be the most high-profile of the Lakers' targets, he's also the epitome of the reality the front office faces in targeting the centers on the open market.
Replacing Deandre Ayton will require Lakers to gamble on another big
The big-name centers on the open market include Duren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Walker Kessler, and Mitchell Robinson. They're generally considered to be the four best centers on the open market, although the likes of Al Horford, Nikola Vucevic, Mark Williams, and Robert Williams III could enter the discussion.
Even if one were to expand the list to include all eight of those players, however, the point stands: Injury histories, age, and underperformance are unavoidable issues to monitor.
Hartenstein has appeared in 104 of the Oklahoma City Thunder's 164 regular season games over the past two seasons. Kessler missed 24 outings in 2024-25 and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury after appearing in just five in 2025-26.
Robinson, meanwhile, appeared in 60 games in 2025-26, but missed 65 in 2024-25, 51 in 2023-24, and 23 in 2022-23.
Top free agent centers all have significant red flags
The injury issues continue as the list progresses. Mark Williams, whom the Lakers once attempted to trade for, has appeared in at least 45 games in just one of his four NBA seasons. Robert Williams III appeared in 59 in 2025-26, but played no more than 35 between 2022-23 and 2024-25.
Horford and Vucevic aren't quite as injury prone, but the former will turn 40 in June and the latter will turn 36 in October—making them questionable fits for a Lakers team that's looking to become more athletic.
With the risk established, the Lakers are in a rather disadvantageous position considering how desperately they need to improve at center. Ayton isn't necessarily viewed as an ideal starter, Jaxson Hayes will be an unrestricted free agent, and the need for general improvement is unavoidable.
Unfortunately, the Lakers will need to proceed with caution no matter which of the top centers on the market they ultimately attempt to sign.
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