NBA Trade Rumors: LA Lakers reach out to 2 franchises as Rob Pelinka scrambles to trade for Yves Missi and $48,000,000 big

After missing out on rumored top big men targets, the LA Lakers remain busy looking for a center. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in mid-April that he would address the team’s gaping hole in the middle following the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade. Since the offseason started, Pelinka has been searching for a player who can patrol the paint double as a lob threat for Doncic.

Once free agency opened, the Lakers watched Steven Adams, Clint Capela, Brook Lopez and Myles Turner sign for different teams. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, Pelinka has turned his sights somewhere else.

“Missi is a very intriguing name to emerge as a trade target for the Lakers. … The 21st-overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft may be more obtainable than many would imagine.”

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The New Orleans Pelicans moved 10 spots up to pick former Maryland star big man Derik Queen in the 2025 NBA draft. Joe Dumars, the team’s new president of basketball operations, also acquired veteran big man Kevon Looney in free agency. If Missi, who averaged 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game last season, is available, Rob Pelinka could trade for him.

Seigel’s report continued:

“The Lakers have also held trade conversations with the Portland Trail Blazers regarding veteran center Robert Williams III.”

Williams will enter the final of a four-year, $48 million contract he signed in 2022. He will earn $13.2 million next season, making him an attractive target for the LA Lakers, who are desperate to add size and length to the frontcourt.

Between the two, Yves Missi has the more favorable contract than Robert Williams. Missi is in the books next season for $3.3 million, while his remaining two years are team options. The 6-foot-10 center also does not have the injury history Williams has had.

Fans react to LA Lakers reported interest in Yves Missi and Robert Williams

Most LA Lakers fans have been frustrated with how free agency has gone for their team. They are still waiting for Rob Pelinka to address LA’s most glaring and immediate need.

Fans react to their team’s reported interest in Yves Missi and Robert Williams:

One fan said:

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Another fan reacted:

Free agency is still on full blast, and the LA Lakers have multiple options on the table. Only time will tell who will join the lineup to help LeBron James and Luka Doncic carry the team.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Michael Macasero