Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), left, and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) stand on the court after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. Credit: AP/Nate Billings

Here is one thing we do know with almost absolute certainty: the Los Angeles Lakers are going to get a center. Well, scratch that. The Los Angeles Lakers are going to get multiple

The NBA is as ruthless as it gets. Players can start their careers positively before finding themselves out of a job following several unconvincing seasons. A declining former Los Angeles Lakers center is currently out of the NBA at age 31 but hopes to make a comeback to the most talented league basketball has to offer.

2008 — The Boston Celtics win their 17th NBA title with a stunning 131-92 blowout over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6. Kevin Garnett scores 26 points with 14 rebounds, Ray Allen scores 26 and Paul Pierce, the finals MVP, adds 17.

Gary Payton disagreed with comparisons between MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

In fact, the franchise's top brass could entertain the idea of contacting the Portland Trail Blazers to hammer out the details on a monster trade that would see the Lakers net Portland's star two-way forward Jerami Grant and 2-time All-Defensive Team selection Matisse Thybulle in exchange for Reaves.