There isn’t a more talented duo in the NBA, but Luka and LeBron need a more balanced supporting cast. In particular, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka needs to go out and sign or trade for an impact center — someone who can catch lobs and serve as a rim protector on defense.
It just so happens that LA’s historic rival, the Celtics, have multiple centers who should be of extreme interest to Pelinka,
Porzingis’s injury issue makes him an unnecessary risk for the Lakers, and Horford isn’t young enough to log heavy minutes for LA (he may even retire, we don’t know yet).
However, Kornet is a highly underrated option for the Lakers that they would be foolish to gloss over.
The seven-foot-two center is one of the most solid centers in the NBA among bench options. He doesn’t try to do anything on the court outside of his wheelhouse, and when he’s hot, he’s an excellent lob threat and rim protector (exactly what the Lakers need).
When the Celtics needed Kornet the most in Game 5 versus the New York Knicks, Kornet — in a starting role due to Porzingis’s illness — executed a glorious breakout performance (nearly logging a triple-double) and helped his club stave off elimination for one more day.
Kornet is a durable player who has become increasingly reliable. He played 73 games for the Celtics in 2024-25 and averaged 6.0 points, and 5.3 rebounds on 66.8 shooting. In the playoffs, his field goal percentage was even higher: 72.4 percent.
Kornet isn’t a franchise center, but it’s not outlandish to suggest that he’s better than any centers the Lakers currently have on the roster.
LA could sign Kornet while also drafting a high-upside center in June — doing so wouldn’t prevent Pelinka from trading for an additional center, but having Kornet on the roster would be comfortable insurance.
The Celtics will want to retain Kornet, but the Lakers could pry him away by paying Kornet more than the cash-strapped Celtics are willing to.
As such, it might require a slight overpay for LA to acquire Kornet, but it would be worth it.
This is an avenue the Lakers can and should consider.
