When Luka Doncic officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers in February, it was clear he would be a franchise cornerstone. Early on, the team’s front office consulted him about what he needed to succeed, and a dependable center was among his top priorities. During his time with the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic had Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, both skilled in pick-and-roll plays and strong screening, which helped maximize his offensive impact.
In discussions with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, Doncic identified five centers who fit this style and who could potentially join the Lakers. However, the Lakers ultimately chose a different path when selecting their center this past offseason.
Centers Luka Doncic Preferred Versus Lakers’ Decision
Sources have revealed that Doncic’s preferred centers were Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren, Nic Claxton, Mark Williams, and Onyeka Okongwu. Among those players, only Mark Williams briefly joined the Lakers but failed his physical examination, resulting in a quick return to the Charlotte Hornets. The other centers Doncic had mentioned were not traded to Los Angeles.
Instead, the Lakers opted to acquire Deandre Ayton during the 2025 off-season. Doncic and Ayton have a history of facing one another multiple times when Doncic played for Dallas and Ayton was with the Phoenix Suns, including in the 2022 playoffs, where Doncic dominated the series. This track record likely influenced Doncic’s decision not to include Ayton on his shortlist of desirable centers.
Performance Issues With Ayton and Lakers’ Challenges
In retrospect, the Lakers’ choice to prioritize Ayton has been questioned. Ayton has struggled to fit in with the team and has drawn criticism from fans regarding his work ethic and off-ball movement. Most critically, the pick-and-roll plays that were so effective for Doncic elsewhere have not materialized as a weapon with Ayton on the court, reducing Doncic’s offensive options.
Given these challenges, the Lakers may need to reconsider their strategy in the center position to better support Doncic. Re-examining the centers Doncic initially recommended could improve team chemistry and offensive efficiency. Alternatively, increasing minutes for Jaxson Hayes could provide another solution to the Lakers’ unsettled center situation.
Implications for Lakers’ Future and Doncic’s Offense
The Lakers’ decision to bypass Doncic’s preferred centers in favor of Deandre Ayton highlights ongoing difficulties in assembling the right roster to complement their superstar. If the Lakers aim to maximize Doncic’s offensive threat, they might need to revisit their earlier plans or consider lineup adjustments that bolster their interior presence. How the Lakers address this issue could significantly influence their competitiveness in the coming seasons.
Luka Dončić’s center requests:
[Buha] (via Reddit)During Luka's first meeting with Rob, Luka requested Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren, Nic Claxton, and lower on the list was Mark Williams, Onyeka Okongwu.#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/uIkcech8Lu
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) January 28, 2026
