Lakers Linked To Big Trade For Prominent Young Center
Lakers Linked To Big Trade For Prominent Young Center
The Los Angeles Lakers have been actively reshaping their roster since acquiring Luka Doncic midseason, signaling a new era for the storied franchise. Despite landing the generational Slovenian talent, the team has struggled to find the ideal center to complement their star guard. An earlier attempt to bring in Mark Williams fell through when the trade had to be rescinded, leaving a significant void in the Lakers’ frontcourt.
As the summer approaches, addressing the center position appears to be the Lakers’ top priority. Basketball analysts speculate that Los Angeles might target Atlanta Hawks’ center Onyeka Okongwu, who despite being on a long-term contract, hasn’t fully realized his potential with his current team. Such a move would likely require the Lakers to part with valuable assets, potentially including forward Rui Hachimura and future draft capital, as the team continues building around their Doncic-led core.
Lakers Give Doncic The Perfect Center To Elevate His Game
Luka Doncic’s performance with the Lakers has demonstrated one clear pattern: he thrives when paired with athletic, rim-running centers. His time in Dallas proved this formula works, with his game reaching new heights once paired with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.
The Lakers’ frontcourt situation remains a work in progress, though Doncic has already improved Jaxson Hayes’ effectiveness beyond what anyone expected. This transformation highlights Doncic’s unique ability to maximize centers who can block shots and finish strong at the rim.
Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu presents an ideal solution for the Lakers’ center rotation. The 24-year-old is putting up solid numbers this season:
| Stat | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 13.0 |
| Rebounds | 8.6 |
| Steals | 0.9 |
| Blocks | 1.0 |
Okongwu brings three critical elements that complement Doncic’s playstyle:
- High defensive motor with perimeter mobility
- Rim protection without sacrificing switching ability
- Efficient finishing in the pick-and-roll
Acquiring Okongwu would create immediate benefits across the roster. LeBron James and Dorian Finney-Smith could return to their natural positions rather than filling small-ball center minutes. Anthony Davis would gain flexibility to play more power forward spots when matchups dictate, potentially preserving his health for playoff runs.
For Doncic specifically, having a dedicated lob threat and screen-setter would open more space for his exceptional passing and scoring abilities. The Lakers’ offensive rating with Doncic on the floor would likely see significant improvement with a center perfectly tailored to his strengths.
The Hawks Consolidate Assets
The Atlanta Hawks find themselves at a crossroads after consecutive Play-in Tournament appearances that have led to first-round exits. Despite attempts to refresh their core through trading players like Bogdan Bogdanovic and De’Andre Hunter, more significant changes appear necessary.
Onyeka Okongwu could be the next player moved as the Hawks look to reshape their roster. Acquiring a player like Rui Hachimura (13.1 points, 5.2 rebounds per game) would add depth to their forward rotation. Hachimura could either complement young talents Zaccharie Risascher and Jalen Johnson or become a tradeable asset for future moves.
The true prize in any potential deal would be securing a future first-round draft pick. This priority demonstrates Atlanta’s commitment to financial flexibility and long-term planning. By shedding salary obligations, the Hawks can build more effectively around their core pieces:
Hawks Core Building Blocks:
- Trae Young
- Jalen Johnson
- Dyson Daniels
This strategy represents a deliberate pivot rather than a complete rebuild. The Hawks management appears focused on maintaining competitiveness while acquiring assets that provide future options. As injuries have impacted roster continuity, creating a more sustainable team structure has become increasingly important.
Lakers Take The Next Step
The Lakers are positioning themselves for championship contention with strategic moves to enhance their roster. Rumors suggest they’re targeting a center who could pair effectively with Luka Doncic, potentially creating a formidable front court presence.
With LeBron James’s career timeline uncertain, the front office appears focused on building a sustainable core that can compete both immediately and in the future. Adding a quality center would address one of their most significant needs while potentially opening a championship window.
The Hawks have emerged as potential trade partners in this scenario. Any deal would likely involve draft compensation from the Lakers, which could benefit Atlanta as they navigate their own future picks obligations.
For Los Angeles, strengthening their center rotation could prove crucial for a deep playoff run and potential NBA Finals appearance. This move would complement their existing stars while providing insurance for the post-LeBron era.
Trade discussions typically intensify as the off-season approaches, and this potential deal bears watching. The right acquisition could significantly alter the Western Conference power balance and cement the Lakers as serious contenders.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
