Lakers Trading for or Signing Center Reportedly Has 'Everyone' in NBA Waiting On Them

The Los Angeles Lakers didn't have a pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft on Wednesday, and they're reportedly considering different options to address their biggest need.

During Thursday's episode of Get Up, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that it's no secret in the NBA that the Lakers are pursuing a center this offseason, whether it be through trades or free agency.

"Will it be that route, or will it be the trade route? That's what everyone in L.A., everyone around the league, is waiting on," Charania said.

The Lakers will have the No. 55 pick in the second round on Thursday night. A year ago, they used the same selection to draft Bronny James out of USC.

Los Angeles is undoubtedly hoping to maximize the window of title contention while the star tandem of LeBron James and Luka Doncic is together on the roster. The team suffered from a lack of rim protection last season, so general manager Rob Pelinka is hoping to fill that hole this summer.

"It's clear their biggest need is at center. Rob Pelinka has spoken about it ad nauseam that they need to find that," Charania said. "Now, will that be in the draft? Will that be in free agency? One thousand percent, that's the question."

The Lakers will have other areas to address this offseason, but Charania maintained that they will be prioritizing the center position. Multiple veterans are set to be available on the free-agent market, so Los Angeles will have its fair share of options.

"The other thing is the Dorian Finney-Smith of it all. He's got a player option. Does he opt in? Does he find another suitor elsewhere in free agency? So, figuring out his free agency, but then also the biggest thing there is the center, and there's names like Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, Al Horford out there in free agency," Charania explained.

The Western Conference isn't getting any easier, so the Lakers will need to make the right moves if they hope to contend for an NBA championship next season.