Lakers expected to target center help to maximize Luka Doncic

The Lakers know what they need.

After a second-round exit and a series that exposed some roster holes, the focus in Los Angeles is already shifting to how to better support Luka Doncic moving forward.

According to The Athletic, the priority is clear. Upgrade the center position and find a true lob threat.

“There is a desire for better center play… true lob threats,” Dan Woike and Sam Amick reported.

The idea is simple. Recreate the type of pick-and-roll success Doncic had in Dallas alongside players like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.

The current roster did not provide that same dynamic, especially with injuries factoring in during the postseason.

There will be options.

Names such as Jarrett Allen, Isaiah Hartenstein, Mitchell Robinson and Jalen Duren are among the types of bigs the Lakers could explore through trades or free agency.

It comes down to fit.

The Lakers are looking for vertical spacing, rim protection and reliability. The kind of center who can run with Doncic and finish above the rim.

If they find it, everything else starts to open up.