Lakers Weigh Multi‑Team Trade to Secure a Center
The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t content relying on Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko to anchor their interior defense. According to the latest from Sportskeeda’s Reign Amurao, the organization is “monitoring” a multi-team deal that could unlock an ideal center option for negotiation this summer (sportskeeda.com).
Why This Matters Now
With Anthony Davis sent to Dallas earlier this year in the monumental trade that delivered Luka Dončić (en.wikipedia.org), Los Angeles has lacked a true rim protector. That deficiency was spotlighted during their playoff series against Rudy Gobert’s Minnesota team, where interior defense fell short (nypost.com).
As free agency begins, GM Rob Pelinka is balancing two paths: signing a veteran center via free agency or landing one through trade. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin confirms that the Lakers are indeed exploring trade avenues, possibly involving a third team that has contractual constraints—meaning once that deal goes through, the Lakers could capitalize (sportskeeda.com).
Who’s in the Mix?
A handful of names are emerging in linked trade chatter and rumor mills:
1. DeAndre Ayton
- Recently cleared waivers after a buyout from the Blazers, Ayton became a free agent.
- Reports suggest the Lakers competed with Milwaukee before Ayton signed elsewhere (sportskeeda.com, sportskeeda.com).
- If traded into a three-team deal, a sign-and-trade could bring him aboard—potentially at a more reasonable cost than on the open market.
2. Walker Kessler
- Young Utah Jazz big man with elite defensive instincts and a team-friendly rookie scale contract .
- However, Utah has reportedly made him unavailable for trade, likely preferring to retain the 23-year-old as part of their core (slcdunk.com).
3. Nic Claxton
- A vertical spacer and athletic rim protector from Brooklyn recently dubbed the “best” center option, valued at approximately $97M over the next few years (sportskeeda.com).
- Despite rebuilding, the Nets could demand significant assets, though Claxton’s style meshes well with Dončić’s pick-and-rolls (silverscreenandroll.com).
4. Myles Turner
- A stretch five with shooting and shot-blocking upside; however, Indiana has repeatedly balked at trading him .
- Requires a sign-and-trade scenario or patience until his contract expires—a long-shot but high-ceiling option.
5. Brook Lopez (Free Agent)
- A veteran whose skill set as a rim-protecting, occasional three-point shooter was briefly pursued—but he ultimately signed with the Clippers .
Decoding the “Multi‑Team” Angle
The key phrase, “multi‑team trade,” implies the Lakers are positioning themselves as a third wheel in a deal where Team A sends a center to Team B, offloading another big man who then could land in LA. The ripple effect of such a trade allows the Lakers to negotiate for surplus players without being the direct trade partner of the original team .
For instance:
- Jazz trade Kessler to Team B in exchange for assets, freeing up someone like Ayton to be moved on to the Lakers.
- Or Pacers could send Turner to Team B, enabling Lakers to swoop in for a lesser-known backup in return.
✅ Assessment: Lakers’ Top Scenarios
| Path | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Free Agency (Ayton, Lopez) | Simple signings using mid-level exception, clear terms. | Highly competitive—full mid-level likely insufficient. |
| One‑on‑One Trade (Claxton/Turner/Kessler) | Clears defined need; proven talent. | High asking prices, asset ceding, potential refusals. |
| Multi‑Team Trade | Flexibility to acquire surplus, spread salary, less asset drain. | Complex to execute; depends on multiple moving parts aligning. |
️ What to Watch Now
- Utah’s stance on Kessler: If signals soften, Lakers may re-enter hard.
- Pacers’ handling of Turner: Does Indiana commit to extend him or explore trade?
- Lakers’ draft flexibility and asset willingness: Will they sacrifice second-rounders or rotation players like Knecht or Reaves?
- Free-agent marketplace: If no trade materializes, signing a veteran vet remains a fallback.
Final Take
Los Angeles is clearly prioritizing the center position, not just for the short term but as a foundational piece next to Dončić (and LeBron, if he re-signs, which he’s expected to do (nbcsports.com, nbcsports.com, reddit.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, sportskeeda.com, slcdunk.com, basketnews.com, silverscreenandroll.com)). A multi-team trade gives them tactical agility to land a center without bleeding key assets in a straight swap.
Still, it’s a precarious balancing act: they must not overpay, but also can’t walk away empty-handed. With complex negotiations looming, the next few weeks may give us clearer indications of which route the Lakers will take—whether it’s a splashy trade or a savvy signing of the top remaining free agent.
In summary: the Lakers are monitoring a multi-team trade scenario that could unlock a coveted center remain competitive. Whether they land Ayton, Claxton, Turner, or even Kessler depends not just on their willingness to spend, but on their ability to orchestrate a multi-layered deal. Stay tuned—this summer could pivot the franchise’s direction in a major way.
Let me know if you’d like a deep dive into any specific target or trade mechanics!
