LA Lakers’ available center options explored as list shrinks after 2 coveted targets sign with rival teams 

The LA Lakers have been in dire need of a center this offseason as they look to address their biggest problem from last year’s run. However, they have already lost two coveted free agent targets at the center position in the market with the signing of Brook Lopez to the LA Clippers and Clint Capela to the Houston Rockets.

While Lopez and Capela could have been impactful signings for the Lakers, the team remains in the hunt for valuable free agents in the market.

Here are three available centers that could be snagged by the Lakers in the free agency market.

LA Lakers' available center options in free agency

#1. Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton is at the top of the Lakers' center list as he provides them valuable experience in the playoff stage while being on the same timeline as new superstar Luka Doncic.

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Ayton finished his contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, making him a free agent this year. Ayton could rekindle his rim-running brilliance alongside Doncic, who was his batchmate in the 2018 rookie class.

Ayton played for the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals, alongside a crafty point guard, Chris Paul, who was regarded as the one who brought the best out of him. Doncic could be like Paul to Ayton if he signed with the Lakers.

The 7-foot center averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in 40 games with the Blazers last season.

#2. Al Horford

Al Horford would also be a welcome addition to the Lakers' squad. Horford is coming off a stint with the Boston Celtics, the Lakers' longtime rival, in which he won the 2024 NBA championship.

Horford would add a veteran enforcer at the center spot for the Lakers while adding more shooting to the team, as he can space the floor alongside Doncic, who can manipulate defenses for players like Horford to score.

Horford normed 9.0 ppg and 6.2 rpg while shooting 36.3 percent from 3-point range last season.

However, unlike Ayton, Horford is on the timeline of LeBron James, and not Doncic, who is expected to be the Lakers' franchise face in the coming years.

#3. Myles Turner

Myles Turner is coming off the 2025 NBA Finals run with the Indiana Pacers, losing to the OKC Thunder in seven games.

If a deal is not reached with the Pacers, Turner could see himself moving to the Lakers. He could deliver them a valuable defensive boost while adding more shooting to the squad at the center.

He averaged 15.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, and 2.0 bpg for the Pacers, helping them in their improbable playoff run to the finals.

His potential departure would be a big loss to the Pacers, while a possible addition to the Lakers would create a massive impact on their chances next season.

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About the author

Rob Andrew Lo

Rob Andrew Lo is an NBA and WNBA journalist at Sportskeeda with over three years of experience in the field. Rob studied journalism at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines and his love for sports made this an obvious career to pursue.

Rob's favorite team is the Oklahoma City Thunder. He grew up watching Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant and his admiration for them left not only a lasting impression but solidified his fandom.

When not working, Rob loves to play basketball. If he isn't watching or writing about basketball, he can probably be found watching pro wrestling.

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