The Los Angeles Lakers' desperate need for a starting center is well-documented. GM Rob Pelinka will spend the majority of this offseason trying to build out the frontcourt rotation, including signing multiple quality centers.
Unfortunately, one of the big men who wasnear the top of their free agent listis no longer available. ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Saturday that the Houston Rockets re-signed Steven Adams to a three-year, $39 million deal.
Rockets Re-Sign C Steven Adams Before Free Agency
Just In: Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension to stay with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. After playing a key rotation and leadership role in the Rockets' playoff run, the new deal keeps a top center out of free agency.pic.twitter.com/yWUnnQrRgh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)June 14, 2025
The Rockets' interest in taking care of free agency of Adams demonstrates how valuable they thought the New Zealander was for their success last year. Instead of risking the veteran center hitting the open market, the Rockets gave a potentially above-market price deal for Adams.
Considering how well Adams played in their first-round series against the Warriors, one can't blame Houston for doing so. The 31-year-old increased his playing time to 22.1 minutes per game in the postseason, dominating on the boards and in the paint while looking as healthy and athletic as he looked in a long time.
This complicates matters for the Lakers as it takes one free agent off the market. There will be more competition for the remaining centers available. Considering that the likes of Naz Reid and Myles Turner will be out of LA's price range, the Lakers will be in fierce competition to sign Brook Lopez, Al Horford, and Clint Capela.
The trade marketremains a possibility for the Lakers. They have limited financial resources to sign two quality centers in free agency, so Pelinka will have to resort to trades to find another big man. Players like Walker Kessler, Jonas Valanciunas, and Nic Claxton will be some of the most talked-about centers on the trade block. Whether the Lakers aggressively pursue any of these names and which direction they will go remains to be seen.
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