The Lakers’ center situation is finally stabilizing after landing Deandre Ayton, but it came at a cost: rival teams raised their asking prices once they learned what L.A. was willing to spend.
Earlier this year, the Lakers’ trade for Hornets center Mark Williams fell through. In that collapsed February deal, Los Angeles was ready to send Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a first-round pick, and a pick swap to Charlotte. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, this revealed package has since worked against them. Teams with available centers knew exactly how much the Lakers were willing to pay, and “kept their prices high” during trade talks.
Instead, L.A. pivoted and recently signed Ayton after his buyout with the Trail Blazers. They also brought back Jaxson Hayes to round out their center rotation.
Ayton, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick, averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season, but questions about his effort persist. The Lakers hope joining a contender will inspire more consistent play. Meanwhile, Hayes will likely take on a more manageable backup role after being pressed into starting duties last season.
With these moves, the Lakers have shored up their frontcourt and can look ahead to the 2025-26 season with greater confidence — even if it took exposing their cards to do it.
Rivals Exploit Lakers’ Mark Williams Misstep, Demanding High Trade Prices
