DeAndre Ayton may not be a Los Angeles Laker beyond this season. Despite his solid play as the starting center, moving in another direction makes sense for this team.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Lakers don’t see DeAndre Ayton as their long-term answer at center. This makes sense considering his contract situation and less-than-ideal fit on the roster. But this season, he’s exceeded expectations and has been solid for LA.
The Dilemma
If Ayton continues his current level of play, he’ll likely be out of the Lakers’ price range this offseason. They technically could afford to pay him, but committing that much long-term money for a center who isn’t an elite rim protector becomes especially risky when your future backcourt is built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. When you’re that weak defensively on the perimeter, you need someone who can make up for it by protecting the paint. Again, Ayton has been solid, but if you’re paying top-dollar, you’re expecting someone at protecting the paint.
If the Lakers end up moving on from DeAndre Ayton, here are three centers they can trade for that are better aligned with the team’s future.
Myles Turner
Turner is a clear fit next to Luka and Reaves. He checks the two most important boxes for a modern contender: rim protection and spacing.
Defensively, Turner is a true deterrent. His shot blocking isn’t just about highlight plays; it changes driving behavior. That’s invaluable when your perimeter creators are carrying massive offensive responsibility and can’t always apply elite ball pressure.
Offensively, his shooting fits right into JJ Redick’s scheme. His spacing keeps driving lanes open for Luka and allows Reaves to operate in tight spaces. But he’s also a reliable lob-threat, forcing opponents into difficult decisions — step up and give up the lob or stay back and concede a three.
With the Milwaukee Bucks likely heading toward a rebuild if Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves, Turner becomes one of the more attainable starting-caliber centers.
Nic Claxton
Claxton is not as versatile as Turner, but he’s strong where it matters most for the Lakers.
He can switch more comfortably, play higher in pick-and-roll coverage, and recover quickly enough to still contest at the rim. In playoff basketball, that versatility on the defensive end matters.
He’s limited offensively, but has the size and athleticism to thrive next to elite playmakers like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. We’ve already seen Luka have success with similar centers like Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford, and even Jaxson Hayes to an extent.
Yves Missi
Missi is more of an upside play. He’s not as polished as Turner or Claxton, but he has obvious tools that can help the Lakers. Size, athleticism, timing, and real rim-protection instincts give him a defensive ceiling that’s hard to find, especially on a cost-controlled contract.
Offensively, he would be another athletic lob threat with limited usage. Again, a perfect fit for the Lakers’ backcourt.
His availability is hard to gauge, with New Orleans clearly in rebuild mode and happy to take draft picks. But Missi is young enough and talented enough that the Pelicans may consider keeping him for their future plans.
The Bigger Picture
The Lakers don’t need a center who puts up respectable numbers. They need one who changes outcomes.
Ayton, on his current contract, would be great for the Lakers. Unfortunately, that won’t be the case next season as he’s earned himself a payday. Pivoting towards a more defensive-minded center that fits the timeline of your star backcourt makes the most sense for the Lakers’ future.
