Full Breakdown
Lakers Target Backup Center Amid Frontcourt Overhaul
7/6/2026, 1:32:39 PM
Core Move: Trading Ayton and Adding Kessler
In early July 2026 the Los Angeles Lakers traded Deandre Ayton to Washington for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks. The same day they signed former Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal, making Kessler the projected starter at center.
Background: Need for a True Backup
With Ayton gone, the roster contains only rookie-year forward-center Sandro Mamukelashvili as a hybrid frontcourt piece and no true backup for Kessler. Former backup Jaxson Hayes signed elsewhere, prompting the front office to target a veteran big who can provide rebounding and interior defense.
Data & Statistics
Jonas Valanciunas (Denver) posted 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 58.2 % field-goal shooting in 13.4 minutes per game; his contract is $10 M with $2 M guaranteed if waived before July 8. Kevon Looney (New Orleans) averaged 2.8 pts, 5.6 reb in 14.6 minutes. Andre Drummond, signed by the Knicks for $3.9 M, remains a reliable per-minute rebounder.
Official Team Actions & Rationale
The Lakers executed three linked moves: (1) traded Ayton to create cap space and acquire draft assets; (2) locked in Kessler as the starter; (3) listed veteran centers Drummond, Valanciunas and Looney as free-agency targets. The plan protects Kessler’s minutes while preserving flexibility for a wing upgrade.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts warn that moving Dalton Knecht—a rookie-scale wing with shooting upside—for a backup center may sacrifice the Lakers’ chance to acquire a true starting-caliber wing. Heavy’s Caleb Hightower notes Knecht’s contract value makes him a ‘harder sell’ in a deal focused solely on a big man. Critics also question Valanciunas’ fit, citing limited mobility in space and defensive limitations in space as well as his reduced scoring efficiency for the Lakers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on Valanciunas’ status. BasketNews says he will sign a deal with Zalgiris Kaunas if Denver waives him, while other sources claim Denver may trade him before the July 8 guarantee deadline. Looney’s interest is confirmed by Lakers and Knicks, yet contract terms remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Lakers are actively shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade talks,” — Evan Sidery, Reporter
- “We talked about JJ (Derrick Jones Jr.), I think that’s the best you could do (in a trade centered on Knecht, Jake LaRavia, Jaden Hardy, and several second-round picks),” — Jovan Buha, Lakers insider
- “On Friday afternoon, shortly after the front office sent Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Los Angeles would turn to free agency for Walker Kessler’s understudy and put three veterans on the radar: Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Kevon Looney.” — Shams Charania, ESPN reporter
- “Sources say that the Lakers' interest (in Jonas Valanciunas), furthermore, is certainly welcomed by the Nuggets, who have made Valanciunas available in trade conversations since Denver's season ended and especially in connection with the recent draft as the Nuggets explored various deals while also shopping the No. 26 overall pick,” — Marc Stein & Jake Fischer, The Stein Line
- “NBA interest in Valanciunas seems to be growing given the increasing need for proven size,” — BasketNews
What’s Next
The upcoming July 8 guarantee deadline will reveal whether Valanciunas is waived, traded or remains under contract. The Lakers must decide whether to package Knecht in a deal, wait for a waiver, or explore other veteran options before training camp opens officially in this later September.
