Pelinka says Lakers will address center position in offseason

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said the front office will add players with more size at the center position during the offseason.

"When you make a huge trade at the deadline where you trade your starting center (Anthony Davis) for a point guard (Luka Doncic), of course that's going to create significant issues with the roster," Pelinka said, according to team reporter Mike Trudell. "We saw some of those play out. One of our primary goals is going to be to add size to our frontcourt at the center position."

Pelinka described filling out the team's roster after the Davis-Doncic trade as "trying to build an airplane in the sky."

The Lakers played various centers following the trade, giving more minutes to Jaxson Hayes, Christian Koloko, and Trey Jemison. They also signed veteran big man Alex Len in February.

Los Angeles deployed none of those players in its series-losing Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Maxi Kleber (6-foot-10) and LeBron James (6-foot-9) were the tallest players to appear for the Lakers on Wednesday.

Minnesota outrebounded L.A. 219-195 over the five-game series.

Pelinka added that the team will also prioritize defensive help at the wing position, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Pelinka believes LeBron will have high expectations for the roster and said he plans on doing everything possible to meet them.

The Lakers have $192 million committed in salary next season, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks. The organization will have their tax mid-level exception and three trade exceptions at their disposal to improve the team.