5 NBA centers Lakers could still target as Rob Pelinka aggressively hunts for defensive anchor post-Anthony Davis trade

The LA Lakers took the NBA world by storm with their blockbuster trade of Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. In return, they received Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.

Anthony Davis had been playing the center position for the Lakers, and, in an interview with ESPN’s Shams Charania requested a center. This request was to allow him to play the power forward position, a role he played excellently during the Lakers' run to the NBA title in 2020.

Instead, Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, which has left the Lakers without a superstar center. Jaxson Hayes is a candidate to fill the void, but his averages of 5.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game pales in comparison to The Brow’s production before his departure.

The Lakers are aggressively in search of a replacement to fill the void. Here’s a close look at the top five players who could fill the void left by Anthony Davis.

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Top five centers to replace Anthony Davis in the LA Lakers

#5 Myles Turner

Myles Turner against Anthony Davis- Source: Imagn

Indiana Pacers' 10-year veteran Myles Turner is an option for the Lakers. He would bring much-needed floor spacing to the roster and his versatility in defense. His output is much better than that of Jaxson Hayes, averaging 15.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

Turner brings a strong defensive presence, averaging 2.1 blocks per game, which puts him fourth on the season’s list, behind DPOY frontrunner Victor Wembanyama, Walker Kessler and Anthony Davis.

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#4 Jonas Valanciunas

NBA: Washington Wizards at Dallas Mavericks - Source: Imagn

Washington Wizards' Jonas Valanciunas is another player the Purple and Gold might be interested in as a more cost-effective option. The 13-year-old veteran is an effective scorer and rebounder, and his experience might just be what the team needs.

This season, with the struggling Wizards, he's averaging 11.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

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#3 Nic Claxton

NBA: Brooklyn Nets at Charlotte Hornets - Source: Imagn

Brooklyn Nets 'Nic Claxton, unlike Turner and Valanciunas, presents a much younger option. Reports state that the Nets might be willing to listen to trade offers for him.

This season, he's averaging 9.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists. While his averages don’t compare with Valanciunas and Turner's, his age makes him a long-term option at the center position.

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#2 Walker Kessler

NBA: Orlando Magic at Utah Jazz - Source: Imagn

Utah Jazz's Walker Kessler could be another young and long-term option for the Lakers at center. He has been a top target for the Purple and Gold for over a year and would provide interior defending, rebounding and shot-blocking to the Purple and Gold’s arsenal.

Kessler's double-digit averages of 10.9 points and 11.4 rebounds, alongside 1.5 assists and 2.3 blocks per game make him a good candidate for the role.

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#1 Nikola Vucevic

Nikola Vucevic - Source: Imagn

Chicago Bulls' Nikola Vucevic comes at No. 1 for his experience and offensive and defensive skills, which are his strengths. He's having a stellar season with the Bulls, where he's averaging 19.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

His interior scoring and rebounding skills were evident in the 125-123 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 17. He ended the game with 40 points, 13 rebounds and three assists.