As the Los Angeles Lakers aggressively pursue reinforcements at the center position this offseason, league insiders report that rival teams are fully aware of their desperation — and are using it as leverage in trade negotiations. According to NBA insider Anthony Irwin, teams are demanding packages equivalent to or even greater than the one used to acquire Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, a move that’s thrown a wrench into the Lakers’ plans.
This revelation comes as the Lakers remain laser-focused on filling their biggest roster gap: a reliable and physical center to complement Anthony Davis, relieve him of wear-and-tear, and defend the paint with consistency. Despite Davis’ All-Star production, the Lakers have long struggled with depth in the frontcourt, particularly when Davis slides to the power forward role.
The Lakers’ situation is now a classic example of leverage in the NBA trade market. When a team’s needs are glaring and public, rivals will naturally raise the asking price — often to unreasonable heights. The “Mark Williams package” has become a benchmark in current discussions, referring to the perceived high trade value the young Charlotte big man commands due to his upside, rookie-scale contract, and two-way potential. Teams are telling the Lakers that any center with comparable production or potential will cost at least that much — and sometimes more.
However, the Lakers are pushing back, determined not to be “taken advantage of,” as Irwin reports. They have no intention of sacrificing their future flexibility or key assets like Austin Reaves, 2029/2031 first-round picks, or young talents like Maxwell Lewis and Jalen Hood-Schifino unless the return is significant and game-changing.
Sources indicate that talks have been ongoing with several teams — including the Bulls (Andre Drummond), Nets (Day’Ron Sharpe), Raptors (Jakob Poeltl), and Pistons (Isaiah Stewart). Yet in nearly every case, the Lakers have encountered sky-high demands. Some teams are asking for multiple picks or for the Lakers to take on undesirable contracts in return. It’s a frustrating reality for GM Rob Pelinka, who’s under pressure to improve the roster while maintaining long-term viability.
It’s also worth noting that the Lakers’ cap situation complicates things. With LeBron James opting in and expected to sign an extension, the team is walking a tightrope between contending now and preserving enough flexibility for future big swings. Adding a center via trade would ideally be done with minimal outgoing salary or picks — a goal easier said than done.
Despite the obstacles, league sources believe the Lakers will eventually land a center — but likely closer to training camp, once the market settles and teams lower their demands. For now, patience is the strategy, even as internal pressure mounts to bolster a roster that flamed out in the first round of the playoffs.
The Lakers may be desperate, but they’re not foolish. They know the cost of making a panic move — and what’s at stake if they don’t make the right one.
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