The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware as the franchise continues exploring frontcourt upgrades this offseason, according to Anthony F. Irwin.
“Another name that’s been linked to the Lakers a bunch since yesterday is Miami’s Kel’el Ware. Huge upside and unquestionable talent. Some very fair questions about where his head is consistently at, though,” Irwin tweeted Sunday.
Ware, 22, is entering the third year of his four-year, $20 million rookie contract and would represent a younger alternative to the veteran centers Los Angeles has reportedly monitored. The Lakers have also been connected to New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson and Portland Trail Blazers big man Robert Williams III as they search for more defensive versatility.
The interest comes after Los Angeles finished the 2025-26 regular season 53-29, winning the Pacific Division before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. The Lakers’ frontcourt production was led by Deandre Ayton, who averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while starting all 72 games he played, but the team lacked another reliable interior presence.
Ware’s profile offers a different skill set. In his second NBA season, the 7-foot center averaged 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 77 games for Miami. He shot 53.0% from the field and improved his three-point shooting to 39.5% on 3.0 attempts per game, giving him a floor-spacing element uncommon for traditional rim protectors.
Across two seasons, Ware has averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 141 games. His combination of size, rebounding and shooting ability has made him one of the more intriguing young centers in the league.
The fit with Los Angeles would revolve around how Ware complements Luka Doncic and the Lakers’ offensive structure. Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists during the regular season while leading a high-volume offense, and adding a big man who can finish at the rim while also spacing the floor could create more lineup flexibility.
However, Ware’s availability is uncertain. Miami may value his upside after he improved in his second season, and the Lakers would need to determine whether the price matches their long-term plans.
