The Los Angeles Lakers are in an urgent search for a center upgrade on the trade market, a crucial need highlighted by LeBron James's ultimatum following his decision to opt in. James and his camp are closely assessing the team's roster, indicating a potential move elsewhere if the Lakers fail to build a championship contender. This urgency stems from last season's first-round exit, where the team was notably outmatched in size.

After rescinding their initial trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, who has since been traded to the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers' front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has prioritized acquiring a rim-running big man who aligns with Luka Doncic's timeline. While popular names like Nic Claxton and Walker Kessler have been discussed, new targets have emerged, intensifying the team's efforts to bolster their frontcourt.

Among the new names are Nick Richards of the Phoenix Suns and Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans. Nick Richards, 27, was acquired by the Suns before the 2025 NBA trade deadline. In 36 games with Phoenix, he averaged 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds, shooting over 60 percent from the floor. The Suns are reportedly willing to move Richards due to their recent draft selections of Khaman Maluach and the re-acquisition of Mark Williams, as well as high hopes for Oso Ighodaro's development. Other teams, including the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers, have also reportedly inquired about Richards.

Yves Missi, 21, presents an intriguing target. Named to the 2024-25 All-Rookie Second Team, he averaged 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in his debut season with the Pelicans. Missi may be more obtainable than widely perceived, especially after New Orleans' significant front office changes, with Joe Dumars replacing David Griffin. Dumars' aggressive approach in reshaping the roster, including trading for Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey, drafting Derik Queen, and signing veteran center Kevon Looney, suggests a willingness to make further moves, potentially involving Missi.

The Lakers have also engaged in discussions with the Portland Trail Blazers regarding veteran center Robert Williams III. With the Blazers waiving Deandre Ayton, Williams' trade value appears to have decreased. Williams is entering the final year of his contract, set to earn $13.2 million in the 2025-26 season. Additionally, the Lakers have contacted the Orlando Magic about Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze, though the extent of these conversations remains unknown.

A significant misstep for the Lakers this offseason, which they can still rectify, was their failure to retain Dorian Finney-Smith. Finney-Smith, a hyper-switchable wing capable of playing small-ball five, was crucial to the Lakers' defensive improvements, making them over 12 points better when he was on the court. Despite his value and fit, especially with James and Doncic, the Lakers did not put up a significant fight to re-sign him, allowing him to join the Houston Rockets on a four-year, $53 million deal. This decision, perhaps made to preserve flexibility for a mid-level exception signing or a trade for someone like Andrew Wiggins, may prove costly.

The pursuit of Deandre Ayton, who became available after a buyout with Portland, has also become competitive. While the Lakers were initially seen as a natural fit for the athletic rim presence, the Indiana Pacers have emerged as a strong contender after losing Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pacers, who previously tried to sign Ayton in 2022 and now have significant financial flexibility, pose a serious challenge to the Lakers' chances of acquiring him. Losing out on both Finney-Smith and Ayton would be a devastating blow to the Lakers' offseason goals.

Another name linked to the Lakers is Jake LaRavia, whom head coach JJ Redick reportedly has exciting plans for. At 23, LaRavia has shown a well-rounded offensive game and defensive versatility. However, his modest averages of 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists last season underscore the pressing need for the Lakers to secure more impactful additions quickly, as free agents are rapidly being signed by other teams.

Despite missing out on initial free agency targets like Brook Lopez, Myles Turner, and Clint Capela, Pelinka and the Lakers' brass remain highly motivated to secure an impactful center this offseason through either the trade market or remaining free agency opportunities, as they face mounting pressure to build a championship-caliber roster.