The Lakers’ Interior Dilemma: Why Backup Center Depth Is the Biggest Preseason Question
For the first time under head coach JJ Redick, the Los Angeles Lakers have entered the 2024-25 preseason with a clear mandate: protect Anthony Davis. But a recent look at the team’s early roster construction has left a persistent question unanswered. What does the Lakers’ defense actually look like when the starting center is not on the floor?
The answer, based on early training camp and preseason observation, suggests a vulnerability the front office cannot ignore. While the win-loss records from preseason games carry limited weight, the underlying trends are consistent and concerning. When Los Angeles has fielded backup big men who lack elite rim protection, the team has struggled to compete in the paint and on the glass. This is not a new problem for the franchise, but it is one that Rob Pelinka must solve before the regular season tips off, particularly if the team intends to contend for a championship.
What the Preseason Revealed About Interior Depth
Preseason is inherently an imperfect sample. Minutes are distributed unevenly, rotation players are given ample opportunity, and the competitive intensity does not mirror the regular season. However, it is difficult to completely dismiss the patterns that emerged during Los Angeles’ early preparation.
The constants observed in the team’s early looks against Western Conference opponents were stark. Los Angeles frequently trailed in the rebounding battle and surrendered more points in the paint than anticipated. This was true even when the team had veteran frontcourt players on the floor. The issue is not necessarily a lack of effort, but a lack of scheme-specific fit. Players who excel at spacing or mid-range shooting do not always translate to the specific demands of protecting the rim and controlling the glass for 15 to 20 minutes off the bench.
The Takeaway: The Lakers do not need a superstar to fix this position. They need a functional replacement who can hold the paint defensively and crash the boards without forcing the offense to be more creative than it needs to be.
The Walker Kessler Connection: Speculation Versus Roster Reality
It is worth addressing why the name Walker Kessler has been circulating in trade discussions regarding the Lakers. Kessler is widely regarded as one of the few available big men in the league who fits the exact profile Los Angeles needs: a dominant force on both the offensive and defensive glass, a legitimate rim protector, and a capable finisher near the basket.
However, it is important to distinguish between the need and the roster. Kessler’s current situation is complicated by his recent contract extension with the Utah Jazz, meaning he is not a realistic target at this specific moment. Yet, the type of player he represents remains the benchmark against which the Lakers’ current backup center options are being measured. If the team cannot acquire that specific tier of interior defense immediately, they must identify the next best available option.
Why the Kessler Profile Matters
- Offensive Rebounding: Second-chance points are a direct source of extra possessions and momentum, which the Lakers value highly.
- Rim Protection: When Anthony Davis needs to sit, the defensive integrity of the paint should not collapse entirely.
- Spacing the Floor: A center who can operate around the action allows star players to cut and drive more freely.
Exploring the Trade Market Before the Season Starts
Having added flexibility in the form of one more body for the frontcourt would not hurt. In fact, searching for that much depth before the regular season starts should be considered a given. The Lakers still need to make some sort of move to finalize the roster in any case, which means they retain the assets necessary to be active.
The question remains whether a good solution can be found. A player like Jalen Smith has been floated as a Lakers target in the lead-up to the new season. Smith offers athleticism and rebounding, though he is far from a perfect fix for a championship-contending roster. That is not a new bar for this specific roster spot, but it is a realistic one.
| Target Type | Primary Strength | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Elite Rim Protector | Defensive anchor behind Davis | Likely expensive contract |
| Athletic Finisher | High motor, rebounding | Shooting range |
| Veteran Minimum | Experience, roster stability | Limited upside |
Two Major Challenges for Rob Pelinka
That is all well and good in theory, but the Lakers will inevitably face two major challenges with the backup center spot. The first is figuring out how to overcome the gaps in quality during games where the primary option is unavailable. The second is managing the minutes of Anthony Davis himself; a star of Davis’ caliber cannot be expected to play heavy minutes every single night without risking injury over an 82-game schedule.
Redick and company got two quick answers to that question during this preseason with the new Lakers center being absent from their first couple of contests. Meaningless win-loss results aside, there have been a few constants that would encourage Los Angeles to explore their backup big man options on the trade market.
It would be pure negligence to not make those calls around the league, though. If something springs up within the Lakers’ gettable price range, adding another body behind the starting center could go a long way toward stabilizing the rotation.
Conclusion: The Window to Improve Is Closing
The Lakers are in win-now mode, and the luxury of waiting on internal development is limited. Adding flexibility in the form of one more body for the frontcourt would not hurt, but doing nothing at all would be a mistake. The preseason has provided enough data to confirm that the backup center spot is a genuine weakness, not a theoretical one.
Pelinka is on the hook for a handful of phone calls. The market may not offer a Walker Kessler-type player at a reasonable cost, but it may offer enough to make the rotation viable. Whether there will be a good solution is a whole different story. A guy like Jalen Smith has been floated as a Lakers target in the lead-up to the new season, but that is far from a perfect fix by any means. Granted, this is a backup center spot we are talking about here. Perfect is a lot to ask for. Survival at this level, however, is plenty.
Arts, Sports, NBA, Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, Trade Rumors, Walker Kessler, JJ Redick, Rob Pelinka, Anthony Davis, Jalen Smith, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings
