During his end-of-season press conference, Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said he will attempt to acquire a center this summer. Los Angeles played without a center in Game 5 of the Timberwolves series and was outrebounded 54-37, including 18-8 on the offensive glass.

The fan and locker-room favorite played his way into the Big 3 for the Lakers, but in the playoffs it was painfully clear the team needed a big man instead.

The Lakers' 2024-25 season obviously ended in disappointment, with the Timberwolves able to drub the Lakers in five games in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Particularly disappointing in that series was guard Austin Reaves,