As the Los Angeles Lakers refine their search for a center in free agency, Steven Adams stands out as an ideal candidate to address their pressing needs. While not the traditionally explosive athletic profile many fans envision, Adams could seamlessly fit within the Lakers’ current structure and enhance their roster.
Adams, who played a limited role in the 2024-25 season due to previous injuries, showcased his potential during the playoffs, averaging 10.2 points, 14.8 rebounds, and significant contributions during crucial games. His strong playoff performances underscore his capability to impact games positively when healthy, affirming that he could provide the Lakers with much-needed depth behind a potential starting center.
The Lakers have identified a gap in their interior depth, particularly in light of their struggles against powerful scorers and in rebounding, where they ranked poorly in both offensive and defensive percentages. When considering Adams’ track record of elite offensive rebounding—he led the league in this category for multiple seasons—his arrival could transform the Lakers’ second-chance point opportunities, a crucial aspect of their offensive strategy.
Beyond his rebounding prowess, Adams brings a tough, physical presence that has the potential to change the culture within the Lakers’ locker room. His ability to set the tone on the court and provide a reliable defensive option against formidable opponents like Nikola Jokic will be invaluable, especially given past struggles in playoff matchups against teams with strong frontcourts.
Los Angeles currently boasts a deep roster of guards and forwards, but the lack of an imposing interior player has been a hurdle in maintaining competitive strength. Adams could not only fill that void but elevate the team’s overall toughness and resilience on both ends of the floor.
With his combination of experience, skill, and a willingness to engage physically, Steven Adams is more than just a solution for the Lakers’ center position; he’s a potential catalyst for creating a more unified and assertive team identity. Embracing a player like Adams could propel the Lakers toward greater competitiveness in the league, particularly as they aim for a deeper playoff run in the upcoming seasons.