The Los Angeles Lakers were abruptly bounced from the 2025 NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a demoralizing five-game first-round series defeat. Though he showed proved to be one of their brightest stars during the regular season,

During his end-of-the-season press conference, Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said he will attempt to acquire a center this summer. Los Angeles played without a center in Game 5 of the Timberwolves series and was outrebounded 54-37, including 18-8 on the offensive glass.

The fan and locker-room favorite played his way into the Big 3 for the Lakers, but in the playoffs it was painfully clear the team needed a big man instead.