Lakers’ Big Man Hunt: Cap Constraints Loom as Steven Adams, Myles Turner, and Brook Lopez Emerge as Key Targets

The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2025 offseason with a clear directive: secure a durable big man. After a failed attempt to acquire Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams at the trade deadline – a deal intended to provide Luka Doncic with a crucial lob threat and rim protector following the trade of Anthony Davis – the Lakers are now reportedly setting their sights on three prominent big men: Myles Turner, Steven Adams, and Brook Lopez.

The urgency stems from the need to complement superstar Luka Doncic, who thrives with effective pick-and-roll partners and interior presence. The initial plan involving Williams highlighted the Lakers’ desire to fill the void left by Anthony Davis, who was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster deal earlier in 2025 that brought Doncic to Los Angeles.

However, the path to acquiring these targets is complicated by the Lakers’ current financial situation. The team does not possess the necessary cap space to sign a player of Myles Turner’s caliber outright, as he is under contract with the Indiana Pacers through a two-year, $40.9 million extension signed in January 2023.

Despite the cap limitations, the Lakers still hold significant trade assets. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, their arsenal includes a valuable 2031 first-round pick, five years of pick swaps (2026, 2028, 2030, 2031, and 2032), promising young talent in former first-round pick Dalton Knecht, and over $70 million in expiring contracts belonging to key rotation players like Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent. These expiring deals could be crucial in facilitating a trade to match salaries.

It’s important to note the Lakers’ future draft pick obligations: they owe Utah a top-four protected first-round pick in 2027 and Dallas an unprotected first-round pick in 2029. This means their only tradable first-round pick is the 2031 or 2032 selection. They also possess one tradable second-round pick.

Among the reported targets, Myles Turner, at 29, represents a highly desirable blend of offensive and defensive prowess. This past season, he averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and an impressive 2.0 blocks in 72 games for the Pacers. His efficiency from the field (48.1%) and three-point range (39.6%) further enhances his appeal. Notably, Turner ranked third in the NBA in total blocks this season with 144, trailing only Defensive Player of the Year candidate Victor Wembanyama (176) and fellow Lakers target Brook Lopez (148).

Steven Adams, currently with the Houston Rockets, and Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks both bring different but valuable skill sets to the table. Adams is known for his elite screen-setting, rebounding, and interior defense, though his recent injury history might be a consideration. Lopez, a veteran sharpshooter and rim protector, offers a proven commodity at the center position. Both Adams and Lopez are slated to be unrestricted free agents in 2025, meaning they could potentially be acquired without a trade if the Lakers can navigate their cap situation. However, a sign-and-trade would likely be necessary.

The Lakers’ front office faces a complex puzzle this offseason. With a clear need for a durable big man to maximize Luka Doncic’s impact and propel the team back into championship contention, their ability to leverage their trade assets and navigate cap constraints will be paramount in securing one of these crucial targets. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be a busy period for the purple and gold as they aim to reshape their roster.