The free agency craze is over, and the Los Angeles Lakers look like they are done adding to their roster. While it wasn't the ideal offseason Lakers fans were hoping for, only adding Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia, the latest update on Luka Doncic may have been the best news LA received this summer. Per the latest article on Men's Health magazine, the Slovenian superstar has completely changed his diet and exercise habits in the offseason and is looking more fit than ever.
This is obviously an excellent development for the Lakers. This is now Doncic's team, and the organization needs him to be at the peak of his powers for the Lakers to have a shot in the loaded Western Conference.
It also adds more pressure to GM Rob Pelinka and the front office. If Doncic is in MVP-caliber shape, then the Lakers owe it to him and LeBron James to surround him with the best team possible.
Lakers Must Add Another Center to Fully Unlock Luka Doncic's New Body
That is why the Lakers need to add one more center before it's too late. To fully optimize Doncic and his new body, the Lakers should put as much space around him as possible. So, if they can acquire a shooting big man to bolster the center rotation, it can help unlock Doncic for next season and beyond.
The Lakers currently have Ayton and Jaxson Hayes as their centers. They are both rim-running centers with questionable defensive intensity. While they can be good pick-and-roll partners for Doncic, they can't help space the floor for the former Mavs superstar. That is why acquiring a center who can pick and pop with Doncic and allow him to operate with more space would be the ideal next move for the Lakers.
Some of the first names that come to mind are free agent Al Horford, potential buyout candidate Nikola Vucevic, and potential trade target Wendell Carter Jr. They can all shoot the three, and Horford and Carter are solid defenders who can provide two-way production. If any of these names are a possibility for the Lakers, they should waste no time in pursuing them.