Can the Lakers Make Real (and Needed) Improvement at Center?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers · May 20, 2026 · 40m

Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes were, in the aggregate, more good than bad over the course of this season, at least relative to what they were being paid. But unless you think the Ayton the Lakers got over the last eight weeks of the season will be the Ayton they get over 82 games next year -- which would definitely be a nice bargain for eight mil or so -- the Lakers definitely could use an upgrade.

But how?

Free agency offers little by way of impact centers. The trade market is hard to negotiate. And of course, the Lakers have to prioritize. So how far could they go to find better personnel?…