Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka looks on before a game against the Chicago Bulls.
When the Los Angeles Lakers signed former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton this past offseason, the expectation was that he would finally bring stability to a position that had become a revolving door in recent years.
Instead, Ayton’s inconsistent performances have drawn increasing scrutiny regarding his role within the team and his long-term future in Los Angeles.
That conversation resurfaced on Thursday night when the 27-year-old exited the Lakers’ 120-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets after just four minutes of action.
He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game due to left knee soreness.
His absence quickly opened the door for another center to step into the spotlight.
Lakers Backup Center Impresses in Expanded Role
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes
GettyLos Angeles Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes during a game against the Dallas Mavericks in February 2026
With Ayton sidelined, backup center Jaxson Hayes was forced into a larger role and responded with one of his most efficient outings of the season, further fueling discussion about the Lakers’ center rotation.
Hayes finished with 19 points, five rebounds, and two assists while shooting an impressive 8-of-10 from the field.
His impact extended beyond scoring as well, finishing with a plus-seven rating, the second-highest mark on the team behind Rui Hachimura’s plus-10.
While much of the attention surrounding the Lakers at the trade deadline focused on wing upgrades, which ultimately resulted in the addition of Luke Kennard, the front office was also quietly exploring options at center.
General manager Rob Pelinka reportedly monitored several potential frontcourt targets, and one name that surfaced repeatedly could re-enter the conversation this offseason.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi was among the frontcourt options the Lakers were tracking closely, alongside interest from several other teams.
ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel recently reinforced that connection, suggesting Los Angeles could revisit a potential move for the young big man during the summer.
Missi has averaged 5.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 54.0% from the field across 51 games this season, primarily operating in a reserve role.
For a Lakers team that has struggled with rebounding and interior defense for much of the year, Missi’s physical presence and rim protection profile address two areas of clear need.
Young Pelicans Center Viewed as Long-Term Solution
Lakers trade, Lakers trade rumors, Yves Missi
GettyYves Missi #21 of the New Orleans Pelicans prepares a shot in front of Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 133-121 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on November 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Lake Show Life’s Chris Lambert believes Missi could represent the “perfect long-term play” for the Lakers’ frontcourt.
“Thankfully for the Lakers, a solution to their center struggles could be on the horizon this offseason,” Lambert wrote. “That would come in the form of New Orleans Pelicans second-year big man Yves Missi.”
“We saw during the Dallas Mavericks‘ run to the NBA finals during the 2023-24 season that Luka Doncic thrives when alongside a lob threat that also doubles as a rim protector at the five. The tandem that Doncic formed with both Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II was special and could be replicated in California with Missi.”
“The second-year big man would give LA a younger, athletic center while also addressing their rebounding and rim protection problems.”
Missi has also shown promise on the offensive glass. Despite limited minutes, he is averaging 2.8 offensive rebounds per game, ranking 26th league-wide, an ability that could provide the Lakers with valuable second-chance opportunities.
From a financial standpoint, Missi is also an appealing option.
He is currently on a four-year, $15.6 million rookie-scale contract, earning just $3.3 million this season and $3.5 million in 2026-27, with a $5.5 million team option for the 2027-28 campaign.
That team-friendly contract would fit comfortably into the Lakers’ financial outlook.
Siegel noted that the Pelicans could seek a first-round pick in exchange for Missi.
If the Lakers can negotiate a deal for less, the young center would represent a cost-effective developmental addition rather than a major financial commitment, allowing the franchise to maintain flexibility for larger moves.