The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2026 offseason with few problems as big as the center position. With the Deandre Ayton experiment likely coming to an end after just one season, it’s time for Rob Pelinka to find Luka Doncic a true running mate and weapon in the pick-and-roll.
Someone who can finish well at the rim is physical, tough, hustles, and defends at a high level. Sounds a lot like a Detroit Pistons big man that could be on the move this summer, and I'm not talking about Jalen Duren. I’m talking about Paul Reed.
The six-year NBA pro is coming off a career year, averaging 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.8 stocks (steals + blocks) in under 14 minutes per game.Â
If Reed's stats from this season were converted to a 36-minute-per-game scale, he would’ve averaged a 20-point double-double with nearly five stocks. Per-36 stats aren’t a perfect way to project a player in an expanded role. However, in Reed's case, he stepped up every time his number was called. Maybe in a larger role alongside someone like Luka, he could be a starting-caliber center.
Paul Reed needs to spread his wings, and LA is the place to do that
The upcoming year on Reed’s contract is non-guaranteed, meaning he could hit free agency this summer, but even if he doesn’t, he could be easily attainable via trade for Rob Pelinka. The Pistons, assuming they retain Duren, have two strong forces in the paint between him and Isaiah Stewart. That is why Reed gets lost in the shuffle at times.
Center depth isn’t hard to come by in Detroit—3-point shooting is. Someone who definitely fills that need for a shooter is Dalton Knecht, who was a rising young player, prior to a failed trade that was supposed to send him to Charlotte. A change of scenery could be nice for Knecht, and swapping him for Reed could be a win-win.
In the postseason, it felt like Reed was a bird ready to leave the nest and spread his wings past a third-string role. In Games 3 through 6, when the Pistons were struggling to stall the Cavs tandem of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, Reed checked in and was physical and set the tone.Â
The Pistons don’t win Game 6 without his 17-point effort off the bench. Marcus Sasser and his energy swung the momentum, helping Detroit force a Game 7.
Even in the regular season, he had some big moments for the Pistons, most notably when Stewart and Duren were both suspended against the Toronto Raptors. In that game, Reed led the way for the 313, carrying the offense with 22 points to pair with a great defensive effort that resulted in four blocks and three steals.
Whenever he is given the chance, we are reminded why he won a G League MVP early in his career. He’s smart on both ends, has excellent footwork, a solid handle, can knock down the outside shot, but also has that nastiness and grit teams love from the center spot.
He may not be the perfect starter for every team, but he could work for a Lakers team that will likely have a big three of Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves back next season. Reed is smart, tough, talented, and could be an absolute threat in the pick-and-roll with Luka in 2026-27.
While some fans fantasize over the idea of signing Duren this summer, the real Pistons big that should have Rob Pelinka's attention is BBall Paul.
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