Under JJ Redick, the Lakers have taken impressive strategic sites. They rank fifth in the West and have proven they have the personnel to win. But as far as championship aspirations, there is a belief that they lack in size. Anthony Davis, the frontal star made an open request to the front office. He wants a natural center to play by his side, enabling him to space the floor better.

Aside from an array of combinations, a center can help the Lakers tackle the problems they have regularly encountered this season. But before Davis’ ask, Rob Pelinka didn’t seem willing to move draft capital during the trading season. However, it seems his stance has changed with AD articulating the Lakers’ shortcomings.

According to Lakers insider Anthony Irwin’s story for ClutchPoints, he wrote “Sources close to the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, say the Lakers have heard him loud and clear and plan to add a center before the trade deadline in less than two weeks. It’s at the top of their list of priorities”.

The Purple and Gold aren’t just hopeful to make a singular change to their roster. JJ Redick has emphasized the need for physicality to bolster the Lakers’ disposition in the league which is also something the front office is said to consider. However, for all the right reasons, their topmost hunt is for a functional center to grant Davis’ wishes.

And Pelinka has already moved forward in his negotiations with one shortlisted target.

The Lakers could be after Jakob Poeltl

After Davis highlighted the need for a center, Pelinka went to work immediately. According to Evan Sidery, the Lakers made inquiries with the Raptors about the availability of Jakob Poeltl. The seven-footer is a well-rounded center. Poeltl is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, averaging a career-high 14.7 points. But outside of his scoring spike, the Lakers will be after his rebounding prowess and shot-blocking acumen.

The Lakers do have a weakness in guarding the perimeter. However, with Jared Vanderbilt medically cleared to return, JJ Redick will hope he can turn the hawking defender into a pest. In addition, the Lakers also have LeBron James and Austin Reaves as ball handlers. Redick can shuffle their minutes to always have a playmaker on the floor.

However, as far as tenacity is concerned, without size, it’s difficult to achieve the physical style of play that the Lakers head coach is after. A traditional center opens up a gateway for the same. The Lakers are unable to generate even 10 offensive rebounds per game. Furthermore, opponents exploit their size mismatches, averaging 14.7 second chance points per game.

Adding a center to their ranks could be revolutionary in several ways. They get an adept presence around the rim who can finish offensive and defensive possessions. It will also free up Davis who is currently restricted to staying under the basket due to him playing center the whole time.

Redick curiosity has been piqued by the prospect of running a two-big lineup. Having a skillful center that operates in the post could serve well for those plans as well. Which center do you think Rob Pelinka should target during the trade deadline? Let us know your views in the comments below.