Lakers Seek Frontcourt Upgrades to Support Luka Doncic, LeBron James for 2025-26

The Los Angeles Lakers, led by superstars Luka Doncic and LeBron James, face a critical need to bolster their frontcourt, particularly at the center position, to contend for a championship in the 2025-26 season. Multiple potential targets are being considered, including Doncic's former Mavericks teammate Daniel Gafford, Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton, and Utah Jazz's Walker Kessler, each offering different defensive and physical attributes that could complement the Lakers' core. While Kristaps Porzingis is another option, his past struggles with Doncic and inconsistent postseason performance make him a less favorable choice. Additionally, the Lakers might explore acquiring forward P.J. Washington from Dallas to add offensive support alongside Doncic and James. Past trade attempts, such as for Mark Williams, have fallen through, emphasizing the challenge of securing the right big man. Overall, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka faces pressure to find a durable, defensive-minded center and additional talent to surround the star duo and push for a title.