Luka Dončić Seeks Elite Center

Luka Dončić is looking for an elite center to play alongside him, according to reports. The Slovenian superstar wants a big man who can run the pick-and-roll and jump to the rim."

"The Lakers needed to address the center position even before Dončić made his comments, with Jaxson Hayes becoming an unrestricted free agent and Deandre Ayton having an $8.1 million player option."

"The Lakers could finally build the frontcourt around the six-time All-Star, with league insider Dan Woike suggesting Yves Missi as a potential fit."

"Dončić led the Dallas Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II as his lob threats and rim-running big men, and he is looking for a similar player to team up with."

"Missi, who signed a $15.7 million rookie contract in 2024, has been the primary backup center for the New Orleans Pelicans and has the physical play and defensive skills that the Lakers are looking for."

"The Lakers are in 'a bit of bad luck' in their search for a rim-running and rim-protecting center, with Woike noting that there aren't many players like that in the league."

"Missi is within the Lakers' price range, but it remains to be seen if the Pelicans will trade him to a fellow Western Conference team or make him available at all, as reported by Woike on Sunday."

"The Lakers do not have the cap flexibility to look for elite centers after addressing major needs, making Missi a potential target for the team, according to Woike's report.