Lakers Reportedly Eyeing $108M Lob Threat to Replace Deandre Ayton

The Lakers are looking to make a trade for a player who can be a perfect lob threat for Luka Doncic.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Lakers basketball game, with sharp planes of purple, gold, and white overlapping to create a cubist, multi-perspective scene.A deconstructed visual representation of the Lakers' search for a new center to complement their star point guard Luka Doncic.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly considering trading for a new center to replace the inconsistent Deandre Ayton. According to league sources, Ayton has developed a negative reputation around the NBA, being labeled as a 'diva' and 'cancer in the locker room' who needs to make major changes or risk shortening his career.

Why it matters

The Lakers have been trying to find the right long-term solution at center to complement their star point guard Luka Doncic. Ayton's struggles this season have the team exploring trade options for a more reliable lob threat and rim protector.

The details

The Lakers are looking to acquire a center who can be a perfect alley-oop target for Doncic, with the team reportedly eyeing a player making around $108 million. This move would allow the Lakers to move on from Ayton, who has failed to live up to expectations and developed a poor reputation around the league.

  • The Lakers have been evaluating Deandre Ayton's future with the team throughout the 2025-26 NBA season.

The players

Deandre Ayton

A center for the Los Angeles Lakers who has struggled with consistency and developed a negative reputation around the league.

Luka Doncic

The star point guard of the Los Angeles Lakers.

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The takeaway

The Lakers' reported interest in trading for a new center highlights the team's ongoing search for the right long-term solution to complement their star point guard Luka Doncic. Ayton's struggles and negative reputation have the Lakers exploring alternative options to find a more reliable lob threat and rim protector.