Lakers' Pursuit of a Center: Trade Rumors and Draft Prospects
With the 2025 NBA Draft and free agency approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring options to bolster their roster around LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves. A primary focus for the Lakers this offseason is acquiring a center who can provide rim protection on defense and contribute offensively. After trading star Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers struggled to find a consistent presence in the middle.
Addressing the Center Position: Free Agency and Trade Options
Los Angeles may consider free-agent options like Clint Capela, who could be a good fit for their needs on both ends of the court. However, the trade market also presents potential solutions. One possible trade target is a young center from the Western Conference, particularly if his current team drafts his replacement.
Potential Trade for Walker Kessler
According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, the Utah Jazz worked out Duke freshman Khaman Maluach. Maluach is reportedly in consideration for Utah's number 5 pick. Given this scenario, the Lakers could inquire about Walker Kessler's availability.
Kessler, a former first-round pick, is under contract for the upcoming season before becoming a restricted free agent in 2026-27. Last season, he averaged 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds in 30 minutes per game across 58 starts, achieving career highs in both categories. Kessler also recorded a 130 offensive rating and a 115 defensive rating.
Acquiring Kessler won't be easy, as he has proven to be a valuable young center for the Jazz. However, if the Lakers are not satisfied with the free-agent options, they might consider including Dalton Knecht in a potential deal to entice a rebuilding team like the Jazz.
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Lakers' Interest in Jakob Poeltl
The Toronto Raptors' misfortunes in the NBA Draft Lottery could benefit the Lakers, who are eyeing Jakob Poeltl as a potential answer to their center needs. The Raptors, after a disappointing 2024-25 season, slipped in the draft order and will select ninth overall in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
This draft positioning makes Poeltl expendable for the Raptors. If they stay at the ninth pick, a prime candidate for that selection would be Khaman Maluach. The Duke Blue Devils center is considered by many to be the top big man prospect available in this year's draft class. Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game during his freshman season with the NCAA program. The South Sudanese center shot an efficient 71.2 percent from the field at Duke. Maluach also posted a high offensive rating and averaged .164 win shares per 40 minutes.
Alternatively, the Raptors could consider Derik Queen out of Maryland. Either way, finding their center of the future would be a logical move for Toronto, which is already well-stocked at the wing positions and has a solid guard rotation with Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead.
The Lakers have previously contacted the Raptors to inquire about Poeltl's availability before the NBA trade deadline. However, with Poeltl turning 30 before the end of the 2025-26 season, the Raptors might be more willing to move on from the aging big man, especially considering their rebuilding status.
Poeltl is known for his ability to anchor a defense and contribute as an offensive play-finisher and passer. He is coming off career-high performances, which have undoubtedly increased his value. However, the Lakers might prefer a younger option to pair with Luka Dončić.
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Three-Team Trade Proposal: Lakers Targeting Khaman Maluach
With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, trade rumors are circulating, particularly those involving coveted picks. A recent three-team trade proposal by ESPN involves Khaman Maluach landing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The proposed trade details are as follows:
Brooklyn Nets receive:
- No. 11 pick (via Portland Trail Blazers)
- 2031 unprotected first-round pick (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Los Angeles Lakers receive:
- No. 8 pick and No. 36 pick (via Brooklyn Nets)
Portland Trail Blazers receive:
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- Dalton Knecht
- 2027 top-four protected first-round pick (via New York Knicks)
ESPN notes that this trade hinges on Maluach being available at the eighth overall pick, where the Lakers would then select him. The Lakers previously attempted to trade for former Duke center Mark Williams, but the deal fell through due to a failed physical.
If this trade materializes and Maluach joins the Lakers, it would be an ideal fit. The 7'2", 250-pound center could immediately integrate into the rotation and potentially start, addressing the Lakers' need for a rim-protecting center who excels in pick-and-roll situations. Maluach's ability to play the pick-and-roll game with Luka Dončić would maximize his potential.
Maluach's athleticism and footwork are rare among centers in today's NBA. He is a constant lob threat and possesses a high ceiling. A center with his size, mobility, defensive versatility, and pick-and-roll proficiency would be a valuable addition to the Lakers' roster.
Dalton Knecht's Situation
Dalton Knecht, the Lakers' 2024 first-round pick, had a promising rookie season but experienced a shift after a trade to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, which was later rescinded. His role diminished, and his playoff playing time was limited. Despite this, Knecht retains value due to his scoring ability. With the Lakers holding only the No. 55 pick in the upcoming draft, trading up would likely involve Knecht.
Duke's Draft Prospects
Duke is expected to have three freshmen selected in the top 14 of the NBA draft: Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel.
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