The Los Angeles Lakers have recently faced challenges in securing a reliable starting center following the trade of Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic. An attempted acquisition of Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets fell through after a failed physical led to the Lakers rescinding the trade, despite the Hornets' insistence on Williams' health.

Prior to this, the Lakers also pursued a deal for Jalen Duren, the young center for the Detroit Pistons, but were met with resistance as the Pistons view him as a key component of their core. Currently, with the trade deadline passed, the Lakers are left needing to address their center position in the offseason. However, with Doncic now on the roster, they remain optimistic about their championship aspirations, even with some defensive concerns.