The Lakers #1 need heading into the offseason is finding a reliable Center. The lack of a reliable center was on full display in their embarassing loss to the Wolves in 5 games. They couldn't consistently defensive rebound in that series, ultimately culminating in a Rudy Gobert masterclass in game 5.
There will be a number of quality centers available in free agency this summer but one under the radar name Rob Pelinka should consider is Celtics Center Luke Kornet. Luke Kornet is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July and he has emerged onto the scene as a legitimately good defender this season.
Kornet averaged a career high of 18.3 minutes per game this season. During his minutes, he showcased terrific screening ability on offense and rim-protection on defense. Kornet also quietly averaged a career high 1.6 assists per game, translating to an excellent 1.03 assist-to-usage ratio. That assist-to-usage rate places him in the 84th percentile amongst bigs. More importantly was his efficiency around the rim as he converted on 74% of his rim attempts this season.
Defense is the big selling point for Kornet as he finished the season ranked 87th percentile in Defensive EPM according to Dunksandthrees.com. He showcased his ability to alter shots at the rim as teams shot -5.2% worse at the rim with Kornet on the floor compared to when he was off the floor against the Celtics this season.
Kornet has proven he can be a quality backup center on an elite team, but I'd argue that he probably has done enough to warrant an opportunity to see starter minutes in the right situation. At worst, the Lakers will be getting a great rim protector to shore up their defense behind Luka and Lebron. But, I think Kornet's prior ability to shoot threes and his ability to pass effectively are the key to unlocking his starter upside. The Celtics didn't need Kornet to do those things, given the amount of shooting they had, but the Lakers could ask him to do more in certain lineups.
Kornet is the perfect target for a cap-stressed team like LA because he shouldn't cost more than $10 million per year. He has offensive upside as a shooter and roller, but most important is his proven ability as a screener, lob threat, and rim-protector alongside Luka Doncic. Rob Pelinka should target Kornet in free agency.