Defensive skills are too weak! Are the Lakers seriously considering replacing center Ayton? Three key big men emerge as potential replacements

On January 26th Beijing time, according to US media Heavy, the Lakers’ top three potential acquisition targets are Mize of the Pelicans, Gafford of the Mavericks, and Claxton of the Nets. Heavy stated that the Lakers’ desire to improve their lineup by replacing the mediocre Ayton is reasonable.

Ayton’s rim protection is subpar, and his effectiveness in defending pick-and-roll switches leaves much to be desired. Statistics show that when defending opponents rolling off screens, the Lakers allow a shooting percentage as high as 61.1%, the worst in the entire league; opponents score an average of 50.4 points in the paint against them, ranking 17th in the league; and their defensive efficiency ranks 25th overall.

Among the Lakers’ three potential interior targets, Mize is likely the most probable to leave his current team. NBA insider Siegel reported that Mize is unhappy about being involved in trade rumors before the deadline. His frustration also stems from the fact that since the Pelicans drafted Quinn last year, he has been moved to a bench role.

“Sources reveal that this 21-year-old big man and his representatives feel that the Pelicans significantly reducing his playing time is disrespectful, creating tension between both sides,” Siegel wrote. “Mize not only wants a more significant role on the team, but numerous teams across the league have already inquired about him, making him one of the most likely players to be traded before this season’s deadline.”

Mize started 67 games in his rookie season and was previously regarded as one of the Pelicans’ future core players. The Cameroonian center posted impressive rookie stats of 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, earning a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team. Many beat reporters covering the Pelicans predicted he would make a breakout leap this season. However, everything changed with Quinn’s arrival.

Insider Sidery noted that the Lakers are among at least six teams that have inquired about Mize from the Pelicans.

“After the Pelicans made it clear they were open to offers, Mize quickly attracted widespread attention on the trade market,” Sidery reported. “Teams such as the Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Pacers, Raptors, and Warriors have all recently made inquiries to the Pelicans regarding a potential trade for Mize.”

The Pelicans have already exercised the team option for Mize’s rookie contract for next season, making him an ideal target for teams with limited salary cap space that cannot take on large contracts. Mize’s salary for the 2026-27 season is $3.5 million, $5.6 million for 2027-28, and he will become a restricted free agent after the contract ends.