The Lakers have reached out to the Pelicans about center Yves Missi, though New Orleans has so far resisted any trade offers for the 6-foot-11, 235-pound big man. Multiple teams made similar calls, but the Pelicans have held firm on keeping the second-year player. This interest aligns with Los Angeles efforts to add frontcourt depth without major salary-cap room.

Missi averaged 5.7 points on 54.4 percent shooting, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 19.7 minutes per game during his second NBA season. Those numbers came in a limited role that still showcased his efficiency inside and rim protection. He carries a team option for the 2026-27 season at $3.5 million, which keeps his cost low if a deal materializes before the Lakers focus on re-signing their own free agents at the end of the month.

Missi projects best as a backup rather than a starter-level defender, yet his athleticism and vertical pop would pair well with a proven starting center. He runs the floor, finishes lobs and can switch onto perimeter players in short bursts, giving the Lakers a mobile option off the bench. The fit hinges on whether Los Angeles lands a qualified starter first, because Missi alone does not solve the need for a high-end anchor at the five.

Los Angeles has operated with limited flexibility all offseason while prioritizing extensions for key contributors. Adding a low-cost, high-energy reserve like Missi fits the pattern of creative moves to upgrade the frontcourt without disrupting those plans. The Pelicans resisted the Lakers' interest on the eve of the NBA draft, a night that also featured a blockbuster deal sending Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat in exchange for 22-year-old center Kel'el Ware among other assets.

That same night, the Lakers were linked to Ware as part of their broader pursuit of upgrades at the five. With re-signings of current roster pieces looming as free agency approaches, Los Angeles must find value acquisitions that do not require heavy spending. Missi's combination of size, leaping ability and shot-blocking offers a foundation for that search, especially if the team can pair him with a more established rim protector.

The Pelicans have shown no urgency to move the young center, whose physical tools suggest he can develop into a reliable rotation piece. For the Lakers, the outreach reflects a strategic focus on athletic bigs who can complement star guards through lob threats and defensive versatility. Whether that interest leads to a deal involving future picks or salary matching remains unclear, but the pursuit underscores Los Angeles' determination to bolster its frontcourt through targeted, cap-friendly additions.