The Los Angeles Lakers entered the NBA offseason knowing their biggest priority is adding a dependable big man for next season. Because they lacked precisely that during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves relentlessly exploited it.
Multiple big men were slated for free agency, but one who caught the fanbase's eye was Houston Rockets center Steven Adams. In his return after a year-long absence, Adams had himself a bit of a mini-renaissance in his first healthy season with the Rockets.
Adams' regular season numbers won't jump off the page, but averaging 5.6 rebounds in only 13.7 minutes a game made him quite the presence low, and that only continued in the playoffs. In 22.1 minutes per game, Adams averaged 6.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while proving to be a problem for the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12)
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12)
© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Even though the Rockets were eliminated by the Warriors anyway, Adams certainly proved that the Lakers would be right to pursue him when they got the chance, but unfortunately for them, it wasn't meant to be.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Adams and the Rockets have agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $39 million, which negates the possibility of the Lakers signing him in free agency. Lakers fans were none too pleased about this, as many believed Adams should have joined the team.
"Nooooo," one wrote in response to Charania.
"Supposed to be a Laker ð," one added
"HES WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A LAKER," said another
"SHOULD’VE BEEN A LAKER," stated one
"Lakers sold," added one.
With Adams off the board, the Lakers could try other veterans who will be on the free agent market, like Clint Capela or Al Horford.