​The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t likely to find another LeBron James, but with his salary off the books, they could still land a marquee addition by targeting a center. A report from insider Brett Siegel on Tuesday floated Walker Kessler or Jalen Duren as potential fits to anchor the Lakers’ future at center now that LeBron has departed. “With LeBron James officially leaving the Lakers, expect LA to make a big move to find their center of the future in either Jalen Duren or Walker Kessler. I’d be surprised if they didn’t land one of them in the coming days,” Siegel wrote on June 30, 2026.
Duren’s recent strong performance for the Detroit Pistons surprised some, though his playoff showing raised questions about the max contract he’s seeking. The Lakers already have Deandre Ayton, but Duren would bring a dynamic addition that could reshape the team’s dynamics moving forward. Kessler, a traditional rim protector, would give Los Angeles a different kind of interior presence, and the Utah Jazz may be open to moving him as they retool their roster.
Both options would be appealing for the Lakers and would shift their floor balance away from the LeBron era toward a new frontcourt configuration. While Doncic and Reaves can continue to generate plays, adding a high-caliber frontcourt piece could be an effective way to fill the void left by LeBron. More NBA news: Why the Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves; Warriors want Kawhi Leonard, but there’s a snag; how the Heat could unite Giannis with his brothers; Knicks had a superstar opportunity but didn’t pursue it. Giannis’s legacy with the Bucks remains intact for now.