The Los Angeles Lakers stayed relatively quiet during the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline, completing only a minor roster adjustment. After getting sharpshooter Luke Kennard in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a draft pick, the team is persistent in making more trades for the next deadline.

Acquiring a space creator won't be enough if the Lakers cannot get enough rebounds when DeAndre Ayton is on the bench. This might be the reason why the organization is shifting its focus to Yves Missi.

Post-Playoff Flexibility Opens New Opportunities

NBA Trade Rumors: Could Yves Missi Be the Key to NBA Trade Rumors: Could Yves Missi Be the Key to
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With expectations pointing toward an early playoff exit, the Lakers anticipate increased flexibility to retool their roster around Luka Doncic.

NBA insider Brett Siegel highlighted potential moves for Los Angeles, including the acquisition of a center to bolster the frontcourt. According to him, the Lakers are expected to be in the market for a center and may be able to acquire Yves Missi at a reasonable price using a first-round pick.

Yves Missi Could Upgrade Lakers Frontcourt

Missi has previously been linked to trade discussions with the New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls. Known for his size, defensive presence, and rim protection, Missi would offer a skill set reminiscent of the frontcourt support Luka Doncic enjoyed in Dallas with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.

This is not the first time that Missi rumors have connected to the Lakers. The first rumor came in July 2025 when the team allegedly needed to recruit young centers for a frontcourt upgrade.

Compared with current Lakers big men DeAndre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, Missi represents a more impactful option capable of complementing Doncic's playmaking while strengthening defensive rotations. He is young and has a high ceiling to improve.

Building Around Luka

Looking beyond trades, the Lakers are poised to gain additional freedom in the upcoming free agency period. Once LeBron James' contract concludes or is renegotiated to a lower figure, Los Angeles could pursue strategic signings to build a more complete roster around Doncic.