location_on Home keyboard_arrow_right NBA keyboard_arrow_right Content

Shocking Trade Proposal: Lakers Eye Dominant Center to Fix Playoff Woes

NBA access_alarms2025-05-23 17:09:54 visibility13 text_decrease title text_increase

FEEL UNSTOPPABLE IN GEAR THAT MOVES WITH YOU.

From lightweight running shorts to moisture-repellent jackets – every piece is crafted for peak performance and head-turning style.

Need sports gear? Get it on sale now – discounts you can’t resist! <--Click

Table of Contents

The Need for a Game-Changing Center

Following Anthony Davis' trade to Dallas for Luka Dončić earlier in the season, the Lakers' defensive identity suffered significantly. Opposing teams exploited their weakened paint protection during playoffs, particularly evident in Minnesota's interior dominance during their series-clinching Game 5 victory. General Manager Rob Pelinka emphasized the team's urgent need for a center who can "anchor our defense" while serving as a vertical threat in pick-and-roll situations with Dončić.

Potential Trade Targets

1. Rudy Gobert: The Proven Difference-Maker

The three-time Defensive Player of Year remains a prime target after his dominant 27-point, 24-rebound performance against LA. While his career averages of 14.3 points and 13.5 rebounds make him ideal, acquiring the Timberwolves star would require sacrificing young assets like Rui Hachimura and multiple draft picks.

Shocking Trade Proposal: Lakers Eye Dominant Center to Fix Playoff Woes

2. Onyeka Okongwu: The Versatile Upgrade

Atlanta's 24-year-old center presents an intriguing option with his 11.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. His mobility and defensive IQ fit modern NBA schemes, potentially available through a package including Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt.

3. Daniel Gafford: The Budget Solution

Dončić's former Dallas teammate offers affordable rim protection, shooting 70.2% from the field this season. The Mavericks might accept expiring contracts like Gabe Vincent given their crowded frontcourt after drafting Cooper Flagg.

Lakers' Trade Assets and Strategy

With limited trade chips, Pelinka must leverage expiring contracts and future draft equity creatively. The team's recent cap flexibility allows potential salary absorption in multi-player deals, though their 2031 first-round pick remains the most valuable bargaining chip.

Critical Offseason Decisions

As LeBron James approaches retirement and Dončić enters his prime, LA faces pressure to make immediate upgrades. While Gobert would create headlines, younger options like Okongwu might offer sustainable solutions. Pelinka's center acquisition will ultimately determine whether the Lakers return to championship contention or face another disappointing season.