If you’ve watched more than five minutes of Lakers basketball lately, you know the vibe. Anthony Davis—now suiting up for the Mavericks in this 2026 reality—left a crater-sized hole in the middle of the Crypto.com Arena floor that hasn't quite been filled. Sure, the team made the splash for Luka Dončić and LeBron James is still out there defying every law of human biology, but the frontcourt? It’s thin. Kinda scary thin. Honestly, the Lakers trade for center conversation isn't just a rumor anymore; it’s a survival tactic.
Right now, Deandre Ayton is the guy. He was supposed to be the answer, the modern big who could anchor a defense while Luka creates magic. It hasn't exactly been a fairy tale. Ayton’s averaging about 14 points and 8.8 boards, which looks okay on a spreadsheet, but the eye test tells a different story. He’s been inconsistent, and the defensive rating is sitting at a dismal 24th in the league. When Ayton sits or moves to the bench, the Lakers are basically a layup line.
Jaxson Hayes has actually been a pleasant surprise, shooting an absurd percentage from the floor, but he’s not a 30-minute-a-night rim protector. He’s a spark plug. You need a sledgehammer.
The Names That Actually Matter Right Now
Everyone on Twitter is screaming for a superstar, but Rob Pelinka is working with a limited deck. The Lakers only have their 2031 or 2032 first-round pick to move. That means they aren't getting Joel Embiid. They need a specialist.
Robert Williams III: The "Time Lord" Gamble
The name popping up in every credible report, including recent nuggets from Jake Fischer, is Robert Williams III. He’s out in Portland, and he’s healthy—sorta. He’s played 23 games this year, which for him is basically an Ironman streak.
Why do this? Because when he’s on the floor, he’s a defensive genius. He blocks shots, switches onto guards, and doesn't need a single play called for him. He’s on an expiring $13.3 million contract. If the Lakers trade for center depth and it’s Williams, they’re betting that 15 minutes of his elite rim protection is better than 30 minutes of Ayton’s "will-he-or-won't-he" energy.
The Daniel Gafford Dream
There’s also been chatter about Daniel Gafford. Now, this would be a "dream" scenario that some analysts, like those at Lake Show Life, have floated. Gafford is 27 and locked into a contract through 2029. He’s a high-motor guy who just eats rebounds. The cost? Probably Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, and that precious first-rounder. Is Pelinka willing to empty the clip for a guy who might just be a really good role player?
Why the Lakers Can't Wait Until the Deadline
The Western Conference is a meat grinder. You’ve got Chet Holmgren in OKC and Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio—who just gave a positive injury update, by the way—towering over everyone. The Lakers are currently getting bullied in the paint.
JJ Redick has been vocal about the "dangerous trends" he’s seeing. After a rough loss to Charlotte recently, he basically admitted the interior defense is a sieve. You can have Luka and LeBron scoring 60 combined, but if you're giving up 60 in the paint, you’re just running on a treadmill.
- Defensive Identity: Without a real anchor, the perimeter defenders like Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt are overextending. They’re trying to prevent drives because they know there’s no help at the rim.
- Rebounding Margins: They’re getting out-rebounded in almost every loss. It’s hard to run a fast break with Luka if you never get the ball back.
- Foul Trouble: Ayton and Hayes are constantly in the blender. Having a third reliable big allows Redick to be more aggressive with his defensive schemes.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Trade
A lot of fans think the Lakers just need "size." It's not about being tall. It's about being fast and tall. The Lakers' scheme under Redick requires bigs who can show at the level of the screen and then recover.
That’s why someone like Robert Williams III is so attractive compared to a traditional "bruiser." The NBA has changed. If you can’t move your feet, you’re a liability. This is why the Ivica Zubac reunion rumors were so painful for fans; he’s developed into exactly what they need, but the Clippers are reportedly asking for two first-round picks. The Lakers literally can’t afford him.
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Actionable Steps for the Front Office
If I'm sitting in the front office, here is the realistic path forward.
First, stop chasing the "third star." This roster has enough scoring. Between Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves (when he's healthy and not dealing with that calf strain), the points will be there.
Second, prioritize the Robert Williams III deal. He’s a low-cost, high-reward flyer. If he gets hurt, you’re back where you started, but you didn't give up much. If he stays healthy, he changes your entire playoff ceiling.
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Third, look at the buyout market, but don't rely on it. History shows that the guys who get bought out in February are usually bought out for a reason. They're often "statue" bigs who get cooked in the pick-and-roll.
The Lakers trade for center is the final piece of the 2026 puzzle. Without it, they're just a very expensive, very talented team that’s going to get bounced in the second round by a team with a real seven-footer. Pelinka has to move. The clock isn't just ticking for LeBron; it's ticking for the whole "Luka in LA" era.
Keep an eye on the Portland Trail Blazers over the next two weeks. If Williams stays on the court, expect a deal to materialize fast. The Lakers need a savior in the paint, and they need him before the February 5th deadline passes them by.