Lakers Preparing Move for $15 Million Frontcourt Upgrade

The center position has remained a persistent area of scrutiny for the Los Angeles Lakers, and this season has done little to quiet those concerns.

Last offseason, the Lakers signed former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton in hopes of finally stabilizing a position that has seen constant turnover in recent years.

The move was viewed as a potential long-term solution and an ideal frontcourt partner alongside Luka Doncic. However, Ayton’s inconsistent performances have kept questions alive about his role and long-term future in Los Angeles.

As the season has progressed, scrutiny around the 27-year-old has intensified, particularly as the Lakers continue searching for a dependable interior presence.

Despite the recent emergence of backup center Jaxson Hayes, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton has identified the position as a key area of focus this coming offseason, signaling that further changes could be on the horizon regardless of Ayton’s $8.1 million player option.

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Lakers Continue Monitoring Yves Missi as Center Search Intensifies

While much of the Lakers’ trade deadline attention centered on wing upgrades, ultimately resulting in the addition of Luke Kennard, the front office also explored center options behind the scenes.

One name that repeatedly surfaced was New Orleans Pelicans big man Yves Missi.

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Missi was among the centers Los Angeles monitored closely, alongside interest from multiple other teams. That interest has not faded.

ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel recently reaffirmed the Lakers’ interest, suggesting a move could materialize this offseason.

“One team I’d like to mention that we reported over the last year had interest in Yves Missi is the Los Angeles Lakers,” Siegel said on the ClutchScoops’ show, via The Sporting News. “They’re going to be in the market looking for a center, and maybe they could get Missi at a cheap price for a first-round pick.”

Missi has averaged 5.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 47 games this season, primarily in a reserve role.

While those numbers represent a decrease from his standout rookie season, when he earned All-Rookie Second Team honors, the shift appears largely tied to fluctuating minutes and roster changes in New Orleans rather than any regression in his overall impact.

For the Lakers, Missi’s profile addresses several key weaknesses. Los Angeles has struggled with rebounding and interior defense throughout the season, areas where the 21-year-old’s physical presence and activity stand out.

He is averaging 2.9 offensive rebounds per game despite limited minutes, ranking 16th league-wide. That ability to generate second-chance opportunities would immediately add value to the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation.

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Lakers Balancing Long-Term Development With Star-Level Ambitions

Financially, Missi represents an appealing option. He remains on a four-year, $15.6 million rookie-scale contract, earning just $3.3 million this season and $3.5 million in 2026-27, with a $5.5 million team option for 2027-28.

That team-friendly structure aligns well with the Lakers’ broader financial outlook.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Los Angeles is projected to have approximately $51 million in cap space this summer, even after factoring in Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold.

Missi would offer a low-cost, developmental solution rather than a major financial commitment, allowing the Lakers to maintain flexibility for larger moves.

After holding limited tradable draft capital at the deadline, the Lakers are expected to control three tradable first-round picks by draft night in 2026, 2031, and 2033, giving the front office significantly more leverage in negotiations.

NBA insider Marc Stein has previously noted that Los Angeles’ cap space could allow the franchise to pursue an “expensive star” such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, or another elite player should one become available.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick reinforced that possibility recently, reporting that the Lakers are preparing an “all-out pursuit” of the Bucks superstar.

If such a blockbuster pursuit takes priority, using draft capital on a developmental center like Missi may become less likely.

However, if larger deals fail to materialize, the the 6-foot-11 center remains a logical and attainable option as the Lakers continue their search for a long-term solution in the middle.

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans