The Lakers have a clear need for a center following their embarrassing 4-1 series loss to the Timberwolves in the first round. The Lakers chose to go small for most of that series with Dorian Finney-Smith playing center, and it came back to bite them, especially in game 5 when Rudy Gobert went for 27 points alongside 24 rebounds to end the Lakers' season. A center is clearly needed in LA this offseason.
Steven Adams is set to hit the unrestricted free agent market following the Rockets' loss to the Warriors in Game 7 on Sunday. Adams was terrific in that series as the Rockets had a +14.5 net rating with him on the floor and an offensive rebound rate of 41.2%. Compare that with a horrid -8.8 net rating without Adams in the game, and you see why he was earning so much attention in the media throughout the series.
Adams' impact was off the chart for all of the classic Adams reasons, like offensive rebounding, screening, and defensive intensity. These are all things the Lakers are sorely missing with their current roster. Adams brings a level of toughness every night that is needed alongside Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves.
Steven Adams on Instagram:
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) May 7, 2025
“Houston, thank you.
The energy, passion, and unwavering support you brought to the arena this year were nothing short of incredible.
I hope we represented this city with the pride and resilience that define what it means to be a Houstonian.
Going… pic.twitter.com/4co9I7oe6P
Lakers Must Target Steven Adams in Free Agency
Fortunately for Lakers fans, Adams may be more available now than he was before. The New Zealander posted a message on his Instagram account thanking the fans, which was interpreted as a goodbye post.
Steven Adams may not be a starting-level center anymore, and it may not make sense for him to start alongside Doncic, as Adams is no longer a consistent lob threat. He would be able to set great screens for Luka, but when you look at when Luka has had the most success in his career, it has come alongside elite lob threats like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.
Another reason the Lakers should be interested in Adams is his professionalism in the locker room. Adams has long been known to be one of the friendliest players in the NBA. This was nearly acknowledged with an award this season as Adams finished 2nd in Teammate of the Year voting behind Stephen Curry.
Adams would provide a morale boost in the locker room while making a positive impact on the court as a backup center. The Lakers should certainly target him in free agency in July.