Lakers prioritize center after LeBron James departure

The Los Angeles Lakers hold $52 million in salary cap space after agreeing to a four-year max contract with Austin Reaves. The team plans to build around Luka Dončić and is targeting centers in free agency and the trade market. Los Angeles has seven additional players under contract, none of whom the organization currently views as long-term starters.

Officials are seeking players in or approaching their prime who can complement ball-dominant playmakers.

" Los Angeles is scheduled to meet with restricted free agent Jalen Duren on Tuesday. Duren, 22, earned All-Star and All-NBA Third Team honors last season. The Lakers are also expected to meet with restricted free agent Walker Kessler on Tuesday. Kessler, who turns 25 next month, played five games for the Utah Jazz before season-ending shoulder surgery.

Los Angeles has expressed interest in Mitchell Robinson, who recently won a title with the New York Knicks. The team is also interested in Sandro Mamukelashvili, a 27-year-old forward-center who shot 38.9 percent from three-point range last season.

Additional options The Lakers could pursue forward Dean Wade, who has spent seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Other reported targets include Cam Johnson, Tari Eason, Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams. Los Angeles could also re-sign forwards Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard.

The team has $52 million in flexibility, though free agency has shifted toward contract extensions and trades in recent years.