Several industry insiders have identified three players as realistic targets to fill the backup center role. Reports indicate the Lakers are evaluating Jonas Valančiūnas, Kevon Looney, and Moussa Diabaté as potential fits for the roster. Each option presents a different path to Los Angeles, and each would provide a different stylistic balance to the second unit.
Valančiūnas is the most established and durable option among the trio. A veteran center with strong scoring efficiency, rebounding, and physical presence, Valančiūnas has a track record of delivering consistent minutes as a reliable backstop in the middle. Acquiring him would likely require a trade, given his current contract status and the availability of a long-term role in a new setting. For the Lakers, pulling off a deal to land Valančiūnas would mean dedicating assets to secure a proven contributor who can anchor the second unit and provide floor spacing with his mid-range shooting and ability to operate in the dunker spot.
Diabaté represents a younger, high-upside option who would likely involve a more complex acquisition. The Charlotte Hornets value his potential and see him as a developing center who can evolve into a core rotational piece. Landing Diabaté could demand a more substantial exchange, potentially pairing the Lakers’ future assets with salary ballast to entice Charlotte. If the Lakers can successfully acquire Diabaté, they’d gain a player with the upside to grow into a versatile two-way center, capable of protecting the rim, screening, and evolving into an interior scoring threat as he gains experience.
Looney presents the most straightforward path to addition, as he would arrive as a free agent and could be signed without the need for a trade. His recent season with the New Orleans Pelicans was challenging, but his track record with the Golden State Warriors demonstrates that he can be an invaluable role player who brings switching defense, rebounding, and consistent effort. Joining a Lakers squad built around Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and other young talents, Looney could provide stability in the middle, physicality in defense, and reliable screen-setting to support the offense. His familiarity with high-level playoff basketball makes him an appealing fit for a team prioritizing depth and championship-ready performance.
The Lakers’ decision on which path to pursue will depend on how they value immediate impact versus long-term potential, as well as the trade capital they’re willing to deploy. If the team prioritizes readily available depth and a low-risk signing, Looney’s free-agent route offers a quick fix with proven production. If they seek a longer runway for a younger center who could grow into a long-term starter or key rotation piece, Diabaté becomes an intriguing piece worth pursuing, though the price could be higher. Valančiūnas represents a middle ground: a proven contributor who may require a trade but provides a steadier floor presence than a developing player, with established scoring and rebounding capabilities.
The Lakers will also consider fit details beyond raw numbers. They’ll assess how a backup center complements Kessler’s skill set, particularly in terms of pick-and-roll efficiency, defensive cohesion, and the ability to protect the rim while spacing the floor in the half-court offense. Additionally, assurances about health and durability will factor into any negotiations, given that Kessler himself has dealt with injury concerns in the past.
Beyond the roster moves, the Lakers’ front office is evaluating how the backup center slot impacts the broader team composition. They must ensure that the backup center can thrive within the team’s offensive schemes and defensive schemes, contributing positively during limited minutes while preserving energy for late-game scenarios. The ideal addition would be a player who can anchor the defense during stretches when Kessler rests, provide reliable rebounding, and contribute to offensive possessions by setting solid screens and finishing around the rim.
In summary, the Lakers’ pursuit of a credible backup center centers on three viable options: Jonas Valančiūnas, Kevon Looney, and Moussa Diabaté. Each presents distinct advantages and trade-offs, and the team’s approach will balance immediate needs with long-term potential. As the season unfolds, Lakers fans will be watching closely to see which path the franchise chooses to fortify the center position behind Kessler and maintain a competitive balance in the squad’s depth chart.
