The Los Angeles Lakers again failed to draft a center, and the decision will haunt the franchise as they build around Luka Doncic. Number 77 made it clear that he wanted a rim-protector and lob threat the moment he arrived in LA after the shocking trade. The Lakers tried to trade for Mark Williams, but rescinded the deal after a failed physical. Los Angeles signed Deandre Ayton last offseason, but he isn’t the long-term answer. The cleanest path to acquiring what Luka wants is through the draft, but the Lakers didn't do it.
The Mavs reached the NBA Finals after drafting Dereck Lively II and trading for Daniel Gafford. Doncic had 48 minutes of a rim-rolling big man, who was protecting the paint. It took Dallas to new heights, and a starting center would do the same in Los Angeles. Doncic has made Jaxson Hayes look like a plus big man. Imagine what he could do with a marquee talent.
The Lakers limited their flexibility by giving Austin Reaves a max extension on Wednesday. Luka got his AR wish, but getting a center is even more difficult. The free agent options are less than ideal. The Lakers could trade for one, but would have to pay a hefty price.
Lakers' failure to draft a center to pair with Luka Doncic will haunt them
The pressure is on. The Lakers told Luka they would build around him in the 2026 offseason. It is here, and significant upgrades are necessary to keep number 77 happy. With Reaves re-signed, getting a difference-making center should be the purple and gold’s top priority.
They had the chance to draft Tarris Reed Jr. or Chris Cenac Jr. in the 2026 NBA Draft. Cameron Carr is an elite shooter who fits around Luka. Rob Pelinka finally did well in the draft, but the Lakers had a bigger need. Fans thought they bought a second-round pick to land a big man, but LA just sold the pick to Dallas.
The Lakers can’t keep Luka happy on near misses. They almost had Mark Williams and Henri Veesaar, but they have nothing. That is the problem. Luka can maximize any big man willing to set screens and roll hard to the rim. Doncic gives his team a chance to win every night, and the Lakers would be even better if they maximized the roster around him.
The Lakers' path to acquiring a long-term big man next to Luka Doncic is a trade. If they sign a Mitchell Robinson or Robert Williams, it will be another stopgap option like Ayton. None of those players is the answer.
Drafting a big man would have given them someone to grow with Luka. Lively looked like a future star next to Doncic. The Lakers had their shot to get the next young big man for number 77 to maximize, but they blew it.
The Los Angeles Lakers refuse to get Luka Doncic a center. It is a problem and one that likely has the six-time All-Star frustrated. Just this one piece makes the franchise and Doncic so much better. The Lakers will be haunted for not getting a young option and letting him blossom with Luka. Mistakes have been made.
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