The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant roster upgrade by trading for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sending D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets. This move indicates the Lakers' commitment to enhancing their competitiveness in the Western Conference, but they still face challenges, particularly at the center position.

A proposed trade could see the Lakers acquire Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Christian Wood and future draft picks. This deal would help the Lakers fill their center void, allowing coach JJ Redick to utilize a rim-protecting big alongside Anthony Davis, which has been a weakness in previous playoff runs.