The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in pursuit of a new center, aiming to bolster their roster following recent trades. The team successfully addressed a significant gap in their lineup with the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, a versatile forward who stands between 6’7″ and 6’8″. Finney-Smith’s ability to shoot three-pointers—currently at an impressive 43%—and his defensive prowess make him a valuable asset, outperforming current players like Rui Hachimura and Jared Vanderbilt in complementary ways.

Despite filling the hole at the wing position with Finney-Smith, the Lakers still face challenges at the center position, particularly in securing a reliable backup. With Christian Wood’s health remaining uncertain and Jackson Hayes struggling with injuries, the Lakers have turned their attention to the trade market for potential center options. Reports indicate that the team is exploring both backup and starting center trades as their next move.

One player whose recent performance has caught the attention of Lakers management is Gabe Vincent. Over the past month, Vincent has emerged as the team’s top three-point shooter, boasting an impressive 44% shooting accuracy. His contributions on both offense and defense have made him a crucial part of the Lakers’ rotation, leading to questions about whether he might be included in trade discussions for a center.

The prevailing sentiment is that trading Vincent for a less defensively capable center, such as Jonas Valančiūnas, would not be in the team’s best interest. Instead, the Lakers could look to other players for trade opportunities without sacrificing Vincent, who has proven to be instrumental in their recent success.

Among potential trade targets, the Lakers are considering lower-salary options as well as more prominent names. Duop Reath of the Portland Trail Blazers, who is on a minimum contract, is viewed as an affordable option. Reath brings three-point shooting capability and solid offensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s at a low cost, making him an enticing prospect.

Another name in the mix is Brooklyn Nets’ Day’Ron Sharpe, a physical player known for his rebounding. Although Sharpe is still developing his three-point shot, he could provide the Lakers with a strong presence in the paint and valuable depth as a backup center.

Nick Richards of the Charlotte Hornets also figures into the Lakers’ plans, as he offers rebounding and rim protection at a reasonable price. Acquiring Richards could enhance the Lakers’ interior defense and provide a more durable option than their current backup centers.

However, a more significant trade option could involve acquiring Jakob Poeltl from the Toronto Raptors. Poeltl has been performing well this season, averaging 15.1 points and nearly 11 rebounds per game, and could solidify the Lakers’ frontcourt if the price is right. The trade could potentially involve Rui Hachimura and a first-round draft pick, contingent on the Raptors’ willingness to negotiate.

As the Lakers navigate the trade landscape, the focus remains on acquiring a center who can contribute effectively without compromising the team’s core strengths. With their sights set on improving their roster, the coming weeks could see significant movements as the team looks to enhance its championship aspirations.

Lakers fans and analysts alike are keenly watching to see how the team will maneuver in the trade market. The decision to retain or trade key players like Gabe Vincent could significantly impact the team’s success this season. As discussions evolve, the Lakers’ strategy will be closely scrutinized, especially regarding their pursuit of a reliable center to round out their roster.