Luka Dončić's wishlist gives Lakers a clear free agency blueprint

The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to build a complete complementary roster around Luka Dončić, but this offseason they have the blueprint for what he needs to do so.

Dončic has already laid out what he needs that best suits his skills on the floor, and now general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka must determine how to make it happen this summer.

Speaking at a Jordan event called "The One" in Madrid, Dončić explained the type of players he believes best complement his game.

"I think mainly shooters and a big man who can run the pick-and-roll and jump so I can pass to him," Dončić said.

Dončić thrives when surrounded by floor spacers and athletic finishers, a formula that was successful when he was with the Dallas Mavericks.

"I think I always need shooters around me because I usually get double-teamed a lot, so I think I need shooters and some centers who can jump high and block shots," Dončić added.

Here's a five-minute example of Dončić in Dallas having the high-flying versatility of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, especially in the postseason.

The Lakers' biggest need for an upgrade this offseason is at the starting center spot. Deandre Ayton was solid but was inconsistent throughout last season. 

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Dončić's first and biggest desire is an A-list center.

Fortunately for L.A., several players who fit that A-list mold could be an upgrade over Ayton, who has until March 29 to decline or accept his $8 million player option.

Among the most intriguing center targets in free agency are Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren. 

Both possess the athleticism to thrive as pick-and-roll partners with Dončić and also provide rim protection on the defensive end. 

Duren has had four seasons under his belt in the NBA at 24 years old. He is coming off his first All-Star nod, where he posted a 19 and 10 (70 games) average this season.

Kessler is coming off a season playing just five games due to season-ending shoulder surgery early in the season. His career average for blocks per game is 2.4. Bringing in the Georgia native would give the Lakers an elite presence at that position since Anthony Davis.

If acquiring one of those younger centers is too difficult, forward John Collins could also make sense. 

While not a traditional center, Collins has built his career as an explosive finisher around the basket and has proven capable of thriving in pick-and-roll actions with the ability to shoot the 3-ball.

The Lakers could also look to improve their perimeter shooting if re-signing Luke Kennard doesn't return.

Former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who exercised his $21.6 million player option for the new season on Friday, would bring championship experience, reliable three-point shooting and perimeter defending. 

A reunion would instantly provide another floor spacer capable of benefiting from Dončić's playmaking.

Tim Hardaway Jr. also fits the profile. 

Having already spent years playing alongside Dončić in Dallas, Hardaway understands how to operate next to Dončić and has shown the ability to knock down perimeter shots, coming off a 40.7% 3-point shooting year in Denver.

Beyond pure shooters, versatile wings like Tari Eason and Kelly Oubre Jr. could provide needed athleticism and defensive versatility while giving the Lakers more lineup flexibility.

Of course, whether L.A. can realistically land any of these players will depend on salary cap constraints, trade assets and the futures of LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

As the draft, free agency and trade season approach, Reaves' and James' futures are the Lakers' top priorities this summer, but at the same time building a championship roster around Dončić.