The Los Angeles Lakers' early 2025 playoff exit was due to two reasons: the first being Luka still settling into a new team, and the second being the overwhelming lack of size. The Minnesota Timberwolves were able to bully Jaxson Hayes off the court, leaving an aging LeBron James as the best option at center. This isn't a slight to James, but the reality of a Los Angeles roster that sacrificed last season to bring in a new face of the franchise.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, this remains the biggest issue for Los Angeles moving forward. Deandre Ayton was brought in as the team's initial answer, but there have been no further upgrades made. Ayton, at his best, can be a force protecting the rim and the perfect lob threat for Luka. However, one piece isn't going to fix all of the depth concerns exposed in last year's first round.
Unless the Lakers luck into the perfect matchups, there still isn't the needed depth at the center position. Jaxson Hayes was brought back and will be a great option in the regular season. This is where the fit ends with Hayes exposed in last year's playoff appearance.
Lakers' Biggest Concern Remains Underwhelming Center Options
This is all working under the assumption that Ayton is going to stay motivated and work out as expected. Los Angeles is banking on this just to be a solid playoff team built around two franchise stars. Hayes fits in as regular-season depth, but the Lakers are still refusing to do the obvious and find an option capable of playing behind Ayton.
Even with limited cap space and few trade assets, Los Angeles should've already gotten the job done. LeBron is entering what could be the final season of his career; this, along with the presence of Luka, should force the franchise to have a sense of urgency each and every season. Instead, the Laker front office has sat back after adding Ayton and appears content to ride out its current core to the regular season.
This is a risky decision that could easily end in the first round of the playoffs yet again. The needed depth at center hasn't been added as the offseason comes to a close. It is a concern that fans cannot ignore, even as the excitement around Luka and what this team can become builds. The one roadblock that could still prevent the franchise from reaching its peak remains.