Insider Links 5 Center Targets For LA Lakers This Summer

The LA Lakers tried to solve their years-long center dilemma by bringing in former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton this past season. It didn't work. Ayton posted the worst numbers of his career in points, rebounds and free-throw percentage. All the while frustrating fans with his trademark inconsistent play and effort.

He has a player option on $8.1 million for next season, but whether he picks it up or not, LA needs to find a "role-playing star" big man, per Sean Deveney of Heavy.com.

One NBA executive told him, “They’re going to find a big man, I think that is their line in the sand. That’s probably the big change there, it’s the thing they’ve been talking about for the last few years, really...

"I think they understand they have a good team, they just need a guy who can be a star in his role at center.”

With that, Deveney names off five potential targets at center for the Lakers to try for, whether by trade, or via free agency.

Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers

Deveney calls this "the ceiling" of the big men they could attempt to acquire. There have been some rumors of the Cavs needing to unload some substantial salary this summer to get out from under the onerous second apron. Allen's $28 million next season and over $30M for two more years after that could be the move.

Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks

Gafford is an athletic rim-runner and shot blocker who is, really, everything that Ayton is not. He'd be an ideal fit. He has a three-year contract still to run, with an $18M average annual salary.

Mitchell Robinson, NY Knicks

Also an athletic rim-runner & rebounder and defender in the paint. He, however, is an unrestricted free agent this summer. No trade necessary.

Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets

On the defensive end of the floor, Claxton has a massive wingspan, and can defend all five positions. He can also finish on the lob, and the pick and roll. He'd be a great compliment for Luka Doncic.

Robert Williams III

Another free agent, Williams wouldn't cost a ton, as his inability to stay healthy over the years reduces his earning power.