Crafting the Perfect Team: Doncic's Unheard Center Preferences
Doncic's Arrival and the Quest for a Complementary Center
Upon his arrival at the Los Angeles Lakers in February, it was evident that Luka Doncic would be the foundational player around whom the team would build. The front office proactively sought his insights on team composition, with a key focus on identifying a dependable center to enhance his on-court performance. Interestingly, the player the Lakers ultimately brought in was not among Doncic's initial suggestions.
The Mavericks' Blueprint: Successful Pick-and-Roll Partners
During his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic thrived alongside centers like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. These players were particularly effective in pick-and-roll scenarios and adept at setting robust screens, which greatly benefited Doncic's offensive game. When asked by Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' executive, about potential teammates who could offer similar advantages, Doncic presented a list of five players.
Doncic's Shortlist: Centers He Envisioned for the Lakers
Confidential sources have indicated that Doncic's preferred center options included Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren, Nic Claxton, Mark Williams, and Onyeka Okongwu. Despite this specific list, only one of these players briefly became a Laker, and that interaction was fleeting, lasting only a single day.
A Brief Stint: Mark Williams' Near-Lakers Experience
Mark Williams was reportedly part of a trade that would have sent him from the Charlotte Hornets to the Lakers. However, due to his failure to pass a physical examination, the trade was rescinded, and Williams returned to North Carolina, having spent less than 24 hours preparing to join the purple and gold.
The Lakers' Unconventional Choice: Deandre Ayton's Arrival
Ultimately, none of Doncic's suggested centers joined the Lakers. Instead, during the 2025 off-season, the team opted to acquire Deandre Ayton. This decision was particularly notable given Doncic's previous encounters with Ayton, especially during the 2022 playoffs when Ayton played for the Suns and Doncic, then with the Mavericks, performed exceptionally well against him. This history might explain why Ayton was not on Doncic's list of preferred collaborators.
Reflecting on the Decision: Ayton's Performance and Fit
In retrospect, there's a growing sentiment that the Lakers might have been better served by heeding their superstar's initial recommendations. Ayton's tenure with the Lakers has been challenging; he hasn't seamlessly integrated with the team or developed the desired chemistry with Doncic, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. Concerns regarding his work ethic and off-ball play have been frequently raised by fans and analysts alike.
Charting a New Course: Optimizing Doncic's Offensive Prowess
To fully unleash Doncic's offensive potential, the Lakers may need to re-evaluate their center strategy. This could involve revisiting Doncic's original shortlist of centers or potentially increasing the playing time of players like Jaxson Hayes, who might offer a better fit for Doncic's style of play and the team's offensive schemes.