Kel’el Ware is clearly frustrated with his situation in Miami, as many young players do when they feel like they’re not playing as much as they should. But this situation seems to be getting uglier, and if it snowballs into something like a Jonathan Kuminga–style stalemate, this could be an opportunity for the Lakers to swoop in and get their center of the future.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra openly criticized Ware’s approach and consistency during an interview.
Coach Spo on Kel'el Ware not playing in 2nd half:
"With Kel'el i know thats a lightning rod topic. He needs to get back where he was 7/8 weeks ago where i felt he was stacking good days. He's stacking days in the wrong direction now" pic.twitter.com/hvsugUK5Y6
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) January 16, 2026
Ware didn’t seem to take too kindly to that public criticism, and this likely increased his frustration with his place in the Miami Heat organization.
Kel’el Ware on Erik Spoelstra’s comments:
“Honestly I’m not gonna lie. I think it’s crazy but I mean, it’s his comments. I’ve kinda learned to control what you can control. It is what it is”
(via @IraHeatBeat) pic.twitter.com/AEWPYp1vBo
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) January 18, 2026
This situation is far from ideal for the Heat, but it’s the perfect opportunity for the Lakers
The Lakers’ Ongoing Center Problem
Los Angeles has their own problems at the center position. They don’t have the necessary interior defense to make up for the deficiencies of their backcourt stars. And they clearly understand where their needs are. According to ESPN, they are actively looking for rim protection.
They also don’t believe that DeAndre Ayton is their long-term center. He’s been solid this season, but the Lakers are looking for a cleaner fit and someone more reliable.
How Ware Fits in LA
Kel’el Ware checks a lot of boxes for the Lakers. He’s long, mobile, and plays above the rim. But he can also space the floor and has shown real comfort stepping out and knocking down threes. His size, length, and timing are all tools that make him an elite shot blocker.
As a lob threat, rim protector, and legitimate floor-spacing big, Ware fits cleanly next to ball-dominant guards like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. He’s a clear fit for the core they are trying to build in the Luka era.
The Red Flags
Being on Spoelstra’s bad side this early is troubling, especially given that Spoelstra is one of the league’s most respected coaches. There’s also the Lakers’ history with Heat players like Gabe Vincent and Kendrick Nunn, both of whom struggled to translate their Miami success to Los Angeles.
Miami runs a tight ship, and that type of program isn’t for everyone. LA is a lot more relaxed and could be a better fit for a young player like Ware to develop. But it’s always concerning when a young player is having problems with the coach this early in his career.
Not Quite Kuminga — Yet
It’s also important to note that this isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison with Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga is much further along in his career than Ware, and it’s clearer that he doesn’t fit in Golden State. Ware is still early in his career, and there’s a real chance that he adapts. This situation doesn’t have to end in a split.
A Rare Buy-Low Opportunity
Still, if Miami doesn’t have the patience, Ware becomes one of the more intriguing buy-low center bets in the league. Young, athletic bigs who can protect the rim and space the floor don’t become available often. If the Lakers are serious about finding their long-term answer at center, this is exactly the kind of swing worth taking.
