After the Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Mavericks for Luka Dončić, the whole NBA world knew they might be pursuing trades for a middle alternative. They appeared to get that performed by buying and selling for Hornets huge man Mark Williams however rescinded the commerce after the deadline because of a failed bodily, leaving them with no high quality middle choice the remainder of the season. 

That proved to be a big drawback this postseason. They acquired bullied inside by a a lot greater Timberwolves crew in 5 within the first spherical of the playoffs. As they shift their consideration to the offseason, the main focus for the entrance workplace stays the identical because it did on the commerce deadline: purchase a high quality defensive middle who is usually a pick-and-roll lob mixture with Dončić and LeBron James.

We all know the Lakers went after Williams on the request of Dončić, so it is protected to say he could have some enter in who they aim this summer time. We additionally realized this week that Williams wasn’t the one younger middle within the East the Lakers tried to get. Dave McMenamin informed Jason McIntyre on the “Straight Hearth” podcast that L.A. “made a name” to the Atlanta Hawks a couple of commerce for Onyeka Okongwu. 

Okongwu profiles equally to Williams (albeit in not fairly as huge a physique) as a younger, extremely athletic lob finisher who’s a robust rim protector on the defensive finish; he’s additionally a reasonably versatile defender in house. That these two gamers share comparable qualities actually is not by mistake, and as we head into this summer time, it looks like a protected wager that the Lakers essential commerce targets at middle will characteristic these traits. Mainly, the Lakers are looking for their very own model of Dereck Full of life II, who Dončić liked enjoying with in Dallas. 

Because it pertains to Okongwu, one would assume the Lakers had been wiling to supply one thing much like the bundle of Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and their 2031 unprotected first-round choose for the L.A. native. The Hawks entrance workplace on the time did not view that as sufficient to half with a gifted younger participant on a team-friendly contract (he simply completed the primary yr of a 4-year, $61 million deal). 

The query is whether or not that stance on Okongwu will change this summer time when a brand new govt takes over the entrance workplace in Atlanta. Quite a bit will rely on whether or not a brand new regime plans on making wholesale adjustments to the Hawks roster or simply making tweaks. If it is the previous they usually look to deal Trae Younger and others, maybe buying a primary rounder plus a participant on a rookie deal turns into extra palatable for the Hawks, and the Lakers may rekindle talks on Okongwu. 

If not, the Lakers should proceed canvassing the league to discover a huge man that matches their wants. Exterior of the free agent class and Okongwu or Williams, 4 names stand out as the highest potential commerce targets for the Lakers this summer time. 

Potential Lakers commerce targets

With the Cavaliers newest postseason flop, they should at the least take into account shaking up their core. In the event that they achieve this, Allen figures to be the odd man out, and he’d be a great goal for the Lakers. The problem could be developing with a commerce bundle that entices the Cavaliers, who will nonetheless be attempting to contend themselves. Even so, I feel it is the primary name the Lakers ought to make. 

From there, we shift to 3 youthful groups in several phases of constructing. Jakob Poeltl is not the hyper-athletic lob menace Dončić is keen on (he had 29 dunks all of final season), however he’d be an incredible defensive anchor and is a gifted finisher on the rim and on the quick roll. Toronto would additionally in all probability be extra inclined to be intrigued by touchdown a younger participant like Knecht and a choose than a number of the playoff hopefuls. 

Claxton could be extra of a traits match with what the Lakers seemingly need, and we all know the Nets are nonetheless very a lot within the teardown and rebuild section. He is an athletic rim protector and lob menace, and he’s a participant that appears higher with higher gamers round him to set him up — which he’d have with Dončić and James. They had been affected person on the deadline and did not transfer off of Claxton, Cameron Johnson and others, however this summer time they determine to be open for enterprise. 

One other crew that suffered an early exit this postseason was the Orlando Magic, and in the event that they’re seeking to clear up their roster log jam within the frontcourt, the Lakers must be attempting to get in on the motion. Isaac carries some harm historical past considerations, however he performed 71 video games this previous season and has unbelievable defensive instincts and skills. He is performed energy ahead in Orlando, and I feel given his harm historical past, the Lakers would wish to seek out one other middle who may help eat up common season minutes. Nonetheless, he may work as a small-ball 5 and would supply an enormous carry to L.A.’s protection. From the Magic’s perspective, if they may get Knecht again in a deal his shot-making on the perimeter may assist fill a giant want.