Brian Windhorst teases fast moves from Lakers as free agency opens

NBA free agency is set to begin on July 6, and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to build around their new star Luka Dončić, with the future of LeBron James uncertain.

While LeBron James recently picked up his $52.6 million player option, his agent, Rich Paul, recently said that LeBron wants to compete for a championship, and it's unlikely that the Lakers will trade him. LeBron also might be entering the final season of his NBA career, which allows the Lakers to build more around Luka.

In terms of the Lakers' free agency plans, ESPN Senior Writer Brian Windhorst says that by midnight tonight, there's a good chance that the Lakers will have a center.

Who could the Lakers go after?

A center that the Lakers could go after in free agency is DeAndre Ayton from the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton recently finalized a buyout with the Trail Blazers to become a free agent. Ayton has $35.6 million remaining on his contract and is someone that the Lakers could be willing to take in free agency.

Ayton was selected No. 1 overall by the Phoenix Suns and has played the last two seasons for a rebuilding Trail Blazers team. This past season with Portland, Ayton averaged 14.4 points per game, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 40 games played as he suffered a calf injury. Ayton could be that missing piece that the Lakers are looking for to help them get back into the championship conversation next season.

Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith recently opted out of his contract and reportedly signed with the Rockets. The Lakers no longer need to decide whether they want to negotiate a new deal with Finney-Smith, opening them up to sign Ayton instead.

While Ayton has had his high and low moments, he is a valuable option that the Lakers could use for next season. Adding Ayton improves their depth at the center position as the Lakers' current centers are Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes.