The Los Angeles Lakers came into the 2025-26 season thinking they’d finally solved their long-standing issue at center. Deandre Ayton, brought in over the summer, wasn’t expected to be a franchise savior-but with his size, skill set, and NBA Finals experience, the hope was he’d bring stability and presence to the frontcourt.
So far, that plan hasn’t exactly panned out.
Ayton’s talent has never been in question. He’s a fluid big with soft touch around the rim, capable of anchoring a defense and finishing lobs in traffic.
But the knock on him since his Phoenix days has been effort-and unfortunately, that concern has followed him to Los Angeles. Whether it’s inconsistent rim protection, a lack of urgency on the glass, or disappearing stretches offensively, Ayton’s impact hasn’t matched the expectations that came with his arrival.
The Lakers, sitting in a tightly packed Western Conference, don’t have the luxury of waiting for things to click. With the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, the clock is ticking for the front office to find a more consistent presence in the paint. And here’s where things get interesting.
According to a recent report, the Lakers may not have much trouble attracting interest from centers around the league-thanks in large part to Luka Doncic.
Yes, that Luka Doncic.
While the blockbuster trade that brought Doncic to Los Angeles shook up the league, it’s the ripple effects that could give the Lakers a major edge in the trade market. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon shared that big men across the league are eager for a shot to play alongside Doncic, with one agent reportedly saying his client would “love” to land in L.A.
And honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
Doncic is one of the premier pick-and-roll maestros in the NBA. His timing, vision, and ability to manipulate defenses make him a dream partner for any screen-setting big. Whether it’s slipping to the rim, popping out for a mid-range jumper, or simply being in the right spot for a pocket pass, playing with Luka means easy buckets and elevated roles.
He’s not just a scorer-he’s a connector. A playmaker who makes his teammates better by doing the hard thinking for them. That kind of unselfish, high-IQ leadership is magnetic, especially for bigs who thrive off rhythm and touches.
So while Ayton’s fit in L.A. remains murky, the Lakers now have a powerful recruiting pitch: come play with one of the best facilitators in the game, on one of the most iconic franchises in the league.
If the front office decides to make a move, they’ll likely have no shortage of interest from big men looking for a fresh start and a chance to run with Luka. And with the Lakers still eyeing a deep playoff push, don’t be surprised if they make a play for someone who can bring more consistency, energy, and chemistry to the frontcourt.
The message is clear: if you’re a big man in search of a better situation, Los Angeles-with Luka Doncic at the helm-might just be the place to be.