As the Los Angeles Lakers agree to contract terms with the star center and fan favorite, fans welcome veteran center and Orlando Magic “Big Man” Wendell Carter Jr.

The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise known for its glitz, glamour, and championship pedigree, have once again made headlines—this time by agreeing to contract terms with one of the NBA’s most respected big men. Wendell Carter Jr., the 6-foot-10 center formerly of the Orlando Magic, is officially headed to Hollywood, and the fanbase is buzzing with excitement.

Carter, 25, brings a blend of veteran savvy, elite rebounding, defensive versatility, and locker room leadership that fills a crucial gap in the Lakers’ frontcourt. In an offseason where questions loomed about the future of L.A.’s interior presence behind (or even beside) Anthony Davis, this move solidifies the Lakers’ commitment to contending in 2025—and gives fans a new favorite to rally around.

The Lakers’ decision to pursue Wendell Carter Jr. was anything but impulsive. Front office executives Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss made it clear during postseason exit interviews that retooling the roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis would require both finesse and urgency. The team’s playoff flameout this year—failing to make it past the first round—exposed glaring weaknesses, especially when it came to frontcourt depth.

While Davis continued to post All-NBA caliber numbers, he was often overworked, tasked with protecting the rim, anchoring the defense, and scoring in the paint—all while battling through chronic injuries. Enter Carter Jr., who averaged a solid 11.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game last season with Orlando.

But it’s not just about stats with Carter Jr. It’s about fit.

“He’s exactly the type of player we need,” said Lakers head coach Darvin Ham in a statement. “Wendell is physical, smart, and knows how to make winning plays. He’ll complement AD really well and take a lot of pressure off him throughout the long season.”

Carter’s path to L.A. hasn’t been without obstacles. Drafted seventh overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, Carter was initially seen as a foundational piece alongside Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine. However, inconsistent usage, coaching changes, and injuries stalled his development.

A midseason trade in 2021 sent him to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Nikola Vučević. For many players, such a move might have signaled career limbo. But Carter flourished in Central Florida, becoming a double-double machine and a core piece of a young, developing team.

“I found myself in Orlando,” Carter told reporters after the deal was announced. “I learned how to be a professional, how to deal with adversity, and how to embrace being a leader—even on a young team.”

While the Magic leaned into a youth movement centered on Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Lakers were quietly monitoring Carter’s situation. As soon as offseason trade talks heated up, L.A. pounced, securing the big man in a deal that sent a future first-round pick and rotational player Rui Hachimura to Orlando.

The moment the news broke on social media, Lakers fans responded with overwhelming approval. Carter’s blue-collar work ethic and no-nonsense attitude make him a natural fan favorite in a city that—while famous for stars—has always embraced grinders like Kurt Rambis, Metta World Peace, and more recently, Alex Caruso.

Within hours of the announcement, “Wendell Carter” was trending on X (formerly Twitter), with hashtags like #LakersNation, #WelcomeWendell, and #BigManInTheBuilding flooding timelines.

“I LOVE this move,” one fan tweeted. “Carter is the PERFECT fit next to AD. Tough, efficient, and doesn’t need 20 shots a night.”

Another popular fan post read: “Wendell Carter Jr. is the type of guy who’s gonna get L.A. back to the Finals. You watch.”

Carter, never one to seek the limelight, simply posted a photo of himself in a Lakers jersey mockup with the caption: “Ready. Let’s work. #LakeShow”

The addition of Carter isn’t just about flash—it’s about formula. The Lakers’ recent championship in 2020 was built around size, defense, and rim protection. Players like Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee played huge roles alongside Anthony Davis, allowing him to roam defensively and reduce wear and tear.

Carter offers a similar upside—but with a more modern twist. He’s not just a rim-runner; he’s capable of stepping out for mid-range jumpers and even knocking down the occasional three-pointer. His 35.6% three-point shooting last season was a career-high and signaled a legitimate stretch-five potential.

More importantly, Carter is a fundamentally sound post defender and one of the league’s best at boxing out. With rebounding often being a weakness for the Lakers in recent years, his presence on the glass could be a game-changer.

Every player who joins the Lakers inevitably faces the same question: How will he play with LeBron?

The answer from league insiders is optimistic.

“Wendell’s game is tailor-made for someone like LeBron,” said ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins. “He screens hard, he dives to the rim, he can shoot a little bit, and most importantly, he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. LeBron’s gonna love playing with him.”

At this stage in his career, LeBron James—who turns 41 in December—isn’t looking to carry a team night in and night out. He’s looking for intelligent role players who can make winning plays without drama. Carter checks every box.

Beyond his production on the court, Carter is widely respected around the league for his maturity, resilience, and team-first attitude. In Orlando, he was often the first player to arrive at the gym and the last to leave. He took younger players under his wing and held himself accountable in postgame interviews.

“He’s a grown man,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley once said. “The kind of pro you want in your locker room.”

That mindset should mesh perfectly with the Lakers’ current leadership core of James, Davis, and D’Angelo Russell (assuming he returns). It’s also a big boost for young L.A. talents like Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino, who now have another veteran mentor to lean on.

With Carter now in the fold, the Lakers have addressed arguably their biggest need. But work remains.

The franchise still needs to shore up its perimeter defense and could explore trade or free agent options to bolster shooting off the bench. However, by adding a legitimate starting-caliber center, L.A. has already positioned itself as one of the most balanced teams in the Western Conference.

Their projected starting lineup—assuming no further major changes—could feature:

* **PG**: D’Angelo Russell
* **SG**: Austin Reaves
* **SF**: LeBron James
* **PF**: Anthony Davis
* **C**: Wendell Carter Jr.

That’s a unit with size, skill, spacing, and veteran experience—an ideal mix for a playoff push.

Wendell Carter Jr.’s arrival in Los Angeles is more than just another offseason transaction. It’s a signal. A signal that the Lakers are serious about contending. A signal that they’re learning from past mistakes. And a signal that they’re surrounding their stars with smart, tough-minded players who can rise to the moment.

For Carter, it’s the culmination of years of hard work, quiet leadership, and perseverance. For the Lakers, it’s a chance to restore defensive dominance. And for the fans, it’s something new to believe in.

After years of roster reshuffling and missed opportunities, the Lake Show might finally have its next great center duo. With Anthony Davis and Wendell Carter Jr. patrolling the paint, the rest of the league should be on notice.

Welcome to Los Angeles, Wendell. Showtime just got stronger.