During his end-of-the-season press conference, Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said he will attempt to acquire a center this summer. Los Angeles played without a center in Game 5 of the Timberwolves series and was outrebounded 54-37, including 18-8 on the offensive glass.

The Los Angeles Lakers were abruptly bounced from the 2025 NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a demoralizing five-game first-round series defeat. Though he showed proved to be one of their brightest stars during the regular season,

If Reaves pushes for a deal nearing $200 million, as some insiders believe he might, the Lakers may be forced to explore sign-and-trade scenarios to recoup assets rather than risk losing him for nothing. The ideal return would include size, defense, and playoff toughness, traits L.A. sorely lacked against Minnesota.