UPDATE: Lakers are quietly negotiating with Stephen Curry for four top centers – Lakers are willing to give anything to get these names!

The Curry Connection

While Stephen Curry has long been synonymous with the Golden State Warriors, rumors have surfaced that the Lakers are making a behind-the-scenes push to lure the superstar point guard to Hollywood. According to insiders, the Lakers have been in discreet contact with Curry’s representatives, exploring scenarios that could bring the two-time MVP to Los Angeles.

Though a deal remains a long shot, the Lakers’ ambition is clear: pair Curry with LeBron James and Anthony Davis to form a historic Big Three, instantly making them favorites for the NBA title.

Four Centers on the Radar

In addition to their pursuit of Curry, the Lakers are also zeroing in on four elite centers to anchor their frontcourt. The names reportedly on their wish list include:

Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers): The reigning MVP and dominant force on both ends of the floor.
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets): The two-time MVP known for his playmaking and versatility.
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat): A defensive powerhouse with offensive upside.
Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves): A multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year and elite rim protector.

Sources say the Lakers are prepared to offer a combination of draft picks, young talent, and even established stars to acquire one of these centers. “No asset is off-limits,” one team executive said. “We’re going all-in to win now.”

A Win-Now Mentality

After a disappointing playoff exit last season, Lakers management has made it clear that incremental changes are not enough. The front office is determined to build a superteam capable of contending with the league’s best, especially as LeBron James enters the twilight of his career.

Bringing in Curry would not only boost the Lakers’ offensive firepower but also add championship pedigree and leadership. Pairing him with a dominant center would give Los Angeles a formidable inside-outside combination unmatched in the NBA.

The Road Ahead

Pulling off these blockbuster moves will be challenging, requiring creative salary cap maneuvering and likely the involvement of multiple teams. Still, the Lakers’ willingness to “give anything” underscores their desperation to return to the top of the basketball world.

As negotiations continue behind closed doors, the basketball world watches with anticipation. If the Lakers succeed, the balance of power in the NBA could shift dramatically—ushering in a new era of star-studded basketball in Los Angeles.

As the NBA free agency period unfolds, the Los Angeles Lakers are making strategic moves to address their glaring need at the center position. With LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season and Luka Dončić already on the roster, the Lakers are under pressure to build a championship-contending team. After missing out on big names like Brook Lopez and Clint Capela, the Lakers have shifted their focus to the trade market, targeting four top-tier centers: Deandre Ayton, Nick Richards, Yves Missi, and either Wendell Carter Jr. or Goga Bitadze from the Orlando Magic. Here’s a deep dive into why these players are at the top of the Lakers’ wish list and what they could bring to the purple and gold.

Deandre Ayton: The High-Risk, High-Reward Option

Deandre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick, became a free agent after negotiating a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, forgoing $10 million of his $35 million contract. The Lakers have been heavily linked to Ayton, with reports indicating he was their top priority after Lopez and Capela signed elsewhere. Ayton’s 2024-25 season stats of 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game highlight his potential as a double-double machine. His ability to score efficiently near the rim and rebound effectively makes him a tantalizing fit alongside playmakers like James and Dončić, who can create easy scoring opportunities for him.

However, Ayton comes with risks. Reports of disciplinary issues, including tardiness and locker room tantrums during his time with the Blazers, raise concerns about his fit in the high-pressure environment of Los Angeles. Despite these red flags, the Lakers see Ayton as a potential bargain, especially after his buyout. The Milwaukee Bucks have also emerged as competitors for his signature, adding urgency to the Lakers’ pursuit. If Ayton can channel his talent and stay focused, he could be the rim-protecting, rebounding force the Lakers need to elevate their frontcourt.

Nick Richards: The Versatile Defensive Anchor

Nick Richards, currently with the Phoenix Suns, has emerged as a prime trade target for the Lakers. Known for his athleticism and defensive prowess, Richards offers the kind of low-usage, high-impact play that complements superstars like James and Dončić. His ability to switch on defense, protect the rim, and contribute without needing the ball makes him an ideal fit for a team looking to fix structural flaws exposed in their first-round playoff exit last season.

Richards’ contract, valued at a modest amount for the 2025-26 season, makes him an attractive trade option. His versatility allows him to thrive in fast-paced systems, and his defensive presence could help the Lakers keep pace with elite teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers’ interest in Richards signals their intent to prioritize defense and athleticism, qualities that were sorely lacking in their frontcourt last season.

Yves Missi: The Promising Rookie with Upside

Yves Missi, a 21-year-old center who just completed a promising rookie season with the New Orleans Pelicans, is another name on the Lakers’ radar. Missi averaged 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 26.8 minutes per game, showcasing his potential as a rim-protecting big man with a knack for rebounding. With the Pelicans adding Kevon Looney and rookie Derik Queen, Missi could be available at a reasonable trade price, especially given his $3.35 million salary for the 2025-26 season.

Missi’s youth and upside make him an intriguing long-term investment for the Lakers. While he’s less established than other targets, his athleticism and defensive instincts align with the team’s need for a modern center who can anchor the paint and contribute on both ends. If the Lakers can secure Missi, they may have a building block for the future alongside their veteran stars.

Wendell Carter Jr. or Goga Bitadze: Orlando’s Frontcourt Options

The Lakers have also initiated trade discussions with the Orlando Magic regarding Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze. Carter, a 26-year-old center, is a reliable rebounder and strong finisher near the rim. While not an elite shot-blocker, his ability to stretch the floor with occasional three-point shooting adds a dimension that could complement Dončić’s playmaking. Carter’s three-year, $59 million extension signed in October 2024 makes him a more expensive option, and it’s unclear if the Magic are open to moving a key piece of their frontcourt.

Goga Bitadze, turning 26 on July 20, 2025, presents a more cost-effective alternative at $8.3 million for the 2025-26 season. Bitadze averaged 7.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 20.4 minutes per game last season, showing flashes of dominance on the boards and as a rim protector. His ability to control the paint and contribute defensively makes him a compelling option for a Lakers team desperate for size and defensive stability. The Lakers’ conversations with Orlando suggest they are exploring all avenues to bolster their frontcourt, with Bitadze potentially being the more attainable target.

The Bigger Picture: A Championship-or-Bust Mentality

The Lakers’ aggressive pursuit of these four centers underscores their championship-or-bust mentality for the 2025-26 season. With LeBron James potentially in his final years and Luka Dončić in his prime, the front office, led by Rob Pelinka, is under immense pressure to deliver a roster capable of contending for a title. Missing out on Lopez and Capela was a setback, but the focus on Ayton, Richards, Missi, and either Carter or Bitadze shows a commitment to addressing the team’s most pressing need.

Each target brings unique strengths to the table: Ayton’s scoring and rebounding, Richards’ defensive versatility, Missi’s youth and potential, and Carter or Bitadze’s reliability and defensive presence. The Lakers are reportedly prepared to trade significant assets to land one of these players, with names like Austin Reaves and Jaxson Hayes potentially on the table to facilitate a deal. The addition of Jake LaRavia, a 6-foot-7 forward, provides some depth, but it’s clear the center position remains the priority.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

As free agency progresses, the Lakers are expected to make a decision soon, with sources indicating an answer could come in the coming days. The competition for Ayton, particularly from the Milwaukee Bucks, adds urgency to their efforts, while trade talks for Richards, Missi, and Orlando’s big men suggest a multi-pronged approach. The Lakers’ ability to secure one of these top-tier centers could define their season, determining whether they can rebound from last year’s playoff disappointment and make a legitimate title run.

In a league where size, athleticism, and rim protection are at a premium, the Lakers are leaving no stone unturned. Whether it’s Ayton’s star potential, Richards’ defensive anchor, Missi’s upside, or the reliability of Carter or Bitadze, the Lakers are poised to make a bold move that could reshape their roster and their championship aspirations. Fans will be watching closely as the purple and gold aim to turn their quiet negotiations into a game-changing acquisition.