The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be shifting their offseason strategy. Instead of chasing the biggest names on the center market, the front office is reportedly focusing on younger, more affordable options who fit both Luka Doncic’s timeline and the team’s salary structure.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Los Angeles is prioritizing value over star power.
“On the center market, there’s a guy in Toronto, Sandro Mamukelashvili. There’s a guy like Jalen Smith in Chicago, or Isaiah Stewart. You get somebody like these types of guys who are young, they fit the right salary profile, they fit the right age profile.”
That marks a noticeable shift from earlier in the offseason, when the Lakers were linked to bigger names such as Jalen Duren, Walker Kessler, Jarrett Allen and Myles Turner. While those players remain attractive fits next to Doncic, acquiring them has become increasingly difficult because of restricted free agency, expensive trade packages, or their teams’ reluctance to move them.
Instead, Rob Pelinka appears to be exploring a more realistic path.
Mamukelashvili enjoyed the best season of his career with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 52.3% from the field. His ability to stretch the floor and play multiple frontcourt positions makes him an intriguing offensive fit alongside Doncic.
Jalen Smith also took another step forward with the Chicago Bulls. The 26-year-old averaged 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds while showing improved versatility on both ends of the floor. Formerly the No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Smith still offers upside while fitting comfortably within the Lakers’ financial plans.
Isaiah Stewart was previously linked as another interesting option, but he has since been traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, taking him out of the Lakers’ plans.
The Lakers’ draft strategy also hinted at this new direction.
Many expected Los Angeles to address its need at center during the NBA Draft, especially after the team traded up to the No. 24 overall pick. Instead, they selected Cameron Carr, one of the best shooters available in the class. The decision suggests the front office believes frontcourt help is more likely to come through free agency or the trade market rather than through a rookie.
That approach also preserves roster flexibility.
Los Angeles still has several major decisions to make this summer. Austin Reaves has already agreed to return on a long-term contract, while the organization continues building around Doncic as its franchise cornerstone. Every dollar saved at center creates more flexibility elsewhere on the roster.
Finding the right center remains the Lakers’ biggest priority. Doncic has consistently thrived alongside athletic screen-setters and rim runners, and the front office understands how important that position is to maximizing his impact. But instead of overpaying for a marquee name, the Lakers appear willing to target younger players who fit their timeline and allow them to build a deeper, more balanced roster.
It may not be the splashiest strategy, but if Los Angeles lands the right complementary big while preserving cap flexibility, it could end up being the smarter long-term move.
