The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of an offseason in which cap space is going to be limited. For as disappointing as that truth may be, there are available avenues the franchise can navigate in its attempts to acquire coveted free agents.
If one of those opportunities were to present itself this summer, there's a strong chance that the Lakers would prioritize finding a center to play alongside Anthony Davis.
Davis, who was named to the All-NBA Second Team and All-Defensive First Team in 2023-24, is among the best players in the Association. His two-way value is close to unmatched at the center position, where he played 97 percent of his minutes this past season.
Davis has made it clear that he would like to play less center during the regular season, however, and free agency could help Los Angeles honor that request.
Christian Wood has already opted into his player option for the 2024-25 season, giving Los Angeles a potentially productive big to pair with Davis. Jarred Vanderbilt is also under contract, albeit as more of a modern 4.
Thankfully for the Lakers, there are some captivating names at the center position who could be signed or acquired via sign-and-trade this summer.
5. Moritz Wagner, Team Option
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Moritz Wagner at No. 25 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Wagner played just 48 games with the Lakers, but six years later, the time could be right for him to make a return to Los Angeles.
A tremendous offensive rebounder who would help the Lakers address a critical flaw, Wagner has the tools to be a key contributor off the bench.
Wagner, 27, finished the 2023-24 regular season with averages of 10.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 offensive boards, and 1.2 assists in 17.7 minutes per game. That production translated to 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.0 offensive boards, and 2.4 assists per 36 minutes.
Wagner hasn't yet established himself as a consistent defender, but his offensive production on a per-36 basis is nothing short of intriguing.
The Lakers finished the 2023-24 regular season ranked dead last in second-chance points, which offers a clear indication of the void he'd fill. Wagner's incessant energy and intensity when crashing the offensive glass would complement Davis to perfection.
The Lakers would need to figure out how Wagner fits on defense, but if it's determined that he could be of value, this could be a quality one-year signing at an affordable cost.
4. Precious Achiuwa, RFA
This one is a little bit complicated, and perhaps an outright stretch. Achiuwa played 36 percent of his minutes at center with the New York Knicks this past season, but saw 97 percent of his minutes at the 5 before he was traded by the Toronto Raptors.
Achiuwa excelled at the 4-spot, but his positional interchangeability actually lends itself to being paired with Anthony Davis.
The move to New York kickstarted Achiuwa's recent rise up free agency rankings lists. He averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.9 offensive boards, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks on 52.5 percent shooting from the field in 24.2 minutes per game during his 49 outings with the Knicks.
A shot-blocking defender who relentlessly attacks the offensive glass on the other end of the floor, Achiuwa is a high-ceiling player.
Still just 24 years of age, there's plenty of time for Achiuwa to tap into his remaining upside. For instance, while he shot poorly from beyond the arc in 2023-24, the former AAC Player of the Year knocked down 35.9 percent of his 156 three-point field goal attempts as recently as 2021-22.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, Achiuwa being a restricted free agent all but guarantees that they'll be unable to acquire him this summer. Even still, it's worth a shot.
3. Jonas Valanciunas, UFA
Easily one of the most under-appreciated talents in the NBA, Jonas Valanciunas has done a fantastic job of adapting to to the changes in the game. For instance: After making just one three-point shot through five seasons, Valanciunas has become a genuine threat from beyond the arc ever since.
Still one of the best offensive rebounders, as well as one of the most skilled post scorers, at his position, Valanciunas could be a captivating fit alongside Anthony Davis.
Valanciunas, 32, averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.3 offensive boards, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 blocks in just 23.5 minutes per game this past season. His shooting took a hit, as he knocked down just 30.8 percent of his three-point field goals, but the value is still clear.
On a per 36 basis, Valanciunas averaged 18.7 points, 13.5 rebounds, 3.5 offensive boards, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks.
Valanciunas is the complete package on the offensive end of the floor. A case could be made that he's actually the best player on this list, but at 32 and coming off of an up-and-down 2023-24 season, his ranking takes a hit.
Based on how well Valanciunas would fit with the Lakers, however, it's at least worth seeing if he'd be willing to take a chance on proving himself at the mid-level exception after making $15.435 million and averaging just 23.5 minutes per appearance this past season.
Perhaps a more expensive, yet still cost-effective sign-and-trade could be an option, as well.
2. Nic Claxton, UFA
Nic Claxton has been one of the best-kept secrets in the NBA for the entirety of his career. The Brooklyn Nets center stands at 6'11" with a 7'3" wingspan and has showcased the potential to be one of the best defensive bigs in the Association.
Claxton is another player who's likely to be priced out of the Rob Pelinka's price range, but it wouldn't hurt to explore this possibility.
Claxton finished the 2023-24 regular season with averages of 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.7 offensive rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. He did so in just 29.9 minutes per contest, meaning his numbers translate to 14.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.3 offensive boards, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks per 36 minutes.
For a Los Angeles Lakers team that desperately needs to improve on the offensive glass, as well as protecting the rim when Anthony Davis isn't on the court, Claxton would be a massive signing.
The obvious downside here is that Claxton is likely to be paid well beyond what the Lakers are able to afford outright this summer. As such, a sign-and-trade would be required, and that puts Los Angeles at the mercy of the Brooklyn Nets' requested return.
Nevertheless, it's an intriguing combination to consider. It wouldn't be the worst idea for the Lakers to gauge Claxton's interest in forming one of the best defensive interior duos in the NBA.
1. Isaiah Hartenstein, UFA
An argument could be made that no player has done more for their reputation over the past two years than Isaiah Hartenstein. After beginning his career by playing for four teams between 2018 and 2022, Hartenstein has become one of the most sought-after free agents in the class of 2024.
The New York Knicks will do whatever they can to re-sign Hartenstein, but the Los Angeles Lakers should at least kick the tires to explore a potential pairing with Anthony Davis.
Of the players who appeared in at least 40 games this past season, Hartenstein ranked third in offensive rebounding percentage. He also ranked fourth among centers in assist ratio. That combination of skills has enabled him to become a prized free agent.
An elite offensive rebounder and one of the best passing centers in the NBA, Hartenstein finds ways to contribute without needing to take the available shots for himself.
That makes him the perfect frontcourt partner for Davis, who ranks among the best scorers and defensive players in the NBA. Their skill sets would complement one another beautifully, with Hartenstein showing the consistent willingness to do the dirty work and thus help preserve Davis' energy.
The Lakers would need to execute a sign-and-trade to get this done, and it's fair to question if they could even offer anything the Knicks would be interested in. Nevertheless, Hartenstein is a top name in free agency for a reason.
At the very least, the Lakers should see if a sign-and-trade is possible.