Lakers' officially miss out on the perfect backup center

The Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of not only a starting-caliber center, but ideal depth at the position. It's the worst-kept secret in the NBA, as Los Angeles' pursuit of an improvement at its weakest position will require creativity and mutiple acquisitions.

Unfortunately for Rob Pelinka, the perfect player to help anchor the second unit can be crossed off the list of available options.

Los Angeles' need for a center was likely to take it in the direction of veteran big man Steven Adams. Adams is a proven commodity at the 5-spot, possessing a captivating combination of elite rebounding, impenetrable strength, and tone-setting defensive consistency.

Unfortunately, Shams Charania of ESPN is reporting that Adams has signed a three-year, $39 million contract extension with the Rockets.

As a result, arguably the best option for the Lakers to target as their next backup center has been removed from the open market.

Lakers miss out on perfect backup as Rockets re-sign Steven Adams

It's unclear if Los Angeles would've been willing to pay Adams an average of $13 million per season. It could've, in theory, offered the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, however, which would've been in that very range.

Unfortunately, Adams has opted to go with what he knows and will return to the team for which he featured heavily during the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

In terms of what he could've brought to the table, Adams is arguably the best offensive rebounder in the NBA. He led all players in offensive rebounding percentage in 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2024-25—minimum: 40 games played—and boasts a career average of 5.6 offensive boards per 36 minutes.

Adams is also regarded as one of the strongest players in the NBA, which has enabled him to excel in the pick and roll, as a post defender, and in rim-protecting scenarios.

For a Lakers team that ranked No. 27 in second-chance points during the 2024-25 season, the fit was clear. Adams would've addressed a glaring flaw, all the while helping to provide value alongside Luka Doncic as a screening big.

With Adams off the board, the Lakers will now look to the remaining names in free agency and on the trade market to provide the quality they need at center.

The names on the market who have been deemed as realistic options include 3-and-D center Brook Lopez and rebounding specialist Clint Capela. Free agency will also host two dream targets, however, in Naz Reid and Myles Turner.

Regardless of what the Lakers do, striking Adams off of their list of ideal backups stings considering free agency has yet to officially begin.