Luka Doncic is hoping to lead a Los Angeles Lakers team that is clearly in the top tier of contenders alongside the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers brass told Doncic they planned to go all in during the 2026 offseason to surround him with the kind of talent to compete in June.
Here’s what McMenamin’s report said:
“Luka wants to be a championship team yesterday,” a source close to Doncic said. “Ever since the trade, they’ve always told us: ‘summer of ’26. We’ll show you in the summer of ’26.’ So, we are so excited that the summer of ’26 is here.”
It begins with Los Angeles adding an ‘A-List’ center, which is one of the keys to success for a team led by Doncic. The Purple and Gold haven’t had that the past two seasons, with Jaxson Hayes the starting five in 2024-25 and Deandre Ayton in 2025-26.
Ayton was considered a sneaky good addition, but his inconsistent performances have made him look unreliable. He also doesn’t fit the archetype of center that Doncic likes to play with, as Ayton prefers to play more in the midrange area than roll to the rim consistently. He also struggles guarding the rim.
The Lakers have to go back to the drawing board if the report on Doncic wanting an A-List center is true. Here’s a look at three options the team can pursue.
3 ‘A-List’ Centers Lakers Should Pair with Luka Doncic
#3 Jarrett Allen
Jarrett Allen is coming off one of his best seasons in the NBA. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ big man averaged 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds, shooting 63.8% from the field. Allen’s production stayed afloat in the NBA playoffs as he tallied 12.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.7 bpg and 1.0 spg. Allen shot 63.5% from the field.
The veteran center will make $28 million next year and has two more seasons on his deal. After a series sweep loss in the Eastern Conference finals, the Cavaliers may look to shake up a few things and cut some salary. Allen’s departure can make that possible, especially with Cleveland already boasting Evan Mobley in the frontcourt.
Los Angeles can part ways with at least one future first-round pick, send Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia to the Cavaliers, who can reroute the trio to another team.
#2 Walker Kessler
Walker Kessler seems like the most obvious answer to the Lakers’ problems. He’s only 24 and can be a long-term fit alongside Luka Doncic. According to reports, Kessler is also in the middle of a standoff with the Utah Jazz in restricted free agency. The soon-to-be fifth-year center has made his mark as one of the best rebounders and shot blockers.
He’s also efficient around the rim as one of the best rolling big men in the NBA. He’s almost the perfect candidate to pair with Luka Doncic. However, the Jazz, even amid a standoff over his contract extension, will play hardball with the Lakers over a sign-and-trade.
Los Angeles may have to make some bold calls in Kessler’s pursuit, maybe even parting ways with Austin Reaves and two first-round picks.
#1 Anthony Davis
The boldest suggestion would be to reacquire Anthony Davis, the star the Lakers sacrificed to acquire Luka Doncic in February 2025. Davis’ career has gone downhill as he has played only 29 games for the Dallas Mavericks. He dealt with multiple injuries and was traded to the Washington Wizards in February 2026.
With Washington being in the lottery over the past few years, Davis reportedly seems uncertain about his wish to play meaningful basketball in the capital city. There are rumblings that Davis could be on the move before he puts on the Wizards jersey in front of their fans.
If there’s a chance and the Lakers have no shot at candidates like Allen and Kessler, pursuing Davis might be the right move. Davis remains an elite center who can finish as well as anyone at the rim and defend the interior at a high level. He’s also more versatile than most centers who can operate away from the basket and have a post game.
His injury concerns and hefty $58.6 million salary for next year could be an issue, but if the Lakers are willing to look past that, they can buy low on their former franchise star. Insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson proposed a three-team trade on Wednesday that could make this possible.
Here’s how it looked:
Washington Wizards Receive:
- #2 Overall Draft Pick
- Lauri Markkanen
- Jarred Vanderbilt
- Dalton Knecht
- Los Angeles Lakers 2030 Unprotected 1st Round Pick
- Los Angeles Lakers 2032 Unprotected 1st Round Pick
- Portion of Los Angeles Lakers Pick Swaps & Draft Assets
Utah Jazz Receive:
- #1 Overall Draft Pick
- Trae Young
- Jake LaRavia
- Los Angeles Lakers #25 Overall Draft Pick
- Portion of Los Angeles Lakers Pick Swaps & 2033 2nd Round Pick
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
- Anthony Davis
- Ace Bailey
- Two (2) Utah Jazz 2027 2nd Round Picks
- Two (2) Washington Wizards 2026 2nd Round Picks
There could also be other iterations of three-team trades that help the Lakers reacquire Anthony Davis.
Read more:
- Warriors Radio Host Proposes Bold Trade Dumping Draymond Green, 2 Firsts For $27,000,000 Wing
- Bucks Indicate Giannis Antetokounmpo to Heat Trade is Close With Latest NBA Draft Plans: Report
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