But here in the early moments of the NBA offseason, the Lakers have firmly established themselves as the main character, for better or worse, because of their glaring deficiency at center, because of the big decisions ahead and because their two superstars are at wildly different stages in their career.

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the opening day of NBA free agency on Monday, June 30, with their eyes on three potential acquisitions at the center position. By the time midnight began creeping around,