After a disappointing end to a season, which looked the most promising in the last four years, the LA Lakers are expected to head into the offseason with purpose. It is needless to say that the Lakers need a Center, who can defend as well as support Luka Doncic and LeBron James in front. Lakers may remain busy and keep finding until the perfect prospect emerges. The situation has given birth to many assertions and rumours which are flowing in the digital space. Let's pay heed to one more of that.
LA Lakers May Go After Hawks' Key Center
As per reports, the Lakers can target Atlanta Hawks' big man Onyeka Okongwu.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka previously tried to address this issue: "Rob Pelinka made calls to the Atlanta Hawks at this past February's trade deadline in hopes of acquiring big man, Onyeka Okongwu before ultimately deciding on a deal with the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, before Williams failed a physical, which forced the trade to be rescinded." With the offseason approaching, the Lakers may revisit a deal for Okongwu.
According to Colby Faria of the Sporting News, the proposed trade could work as follows: The Los Angeles Lakers would receive Onyeka Okongwu, while the Atlanta Hawks would acquire Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, and an unprotected 2031 first-round pick.
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Will the Trade Make Sense for Lakers?
This trade makes sense for the Los Angeles Lakers because Onyeka Okongwu offers significant value. He averaged career highs of 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in under 28 minutes, showcasing his efficiency. With a reasonable contract of $15 million per year for the next two seasons, Okongwu would be a cost-effective addition. Most importantly, his athleticism and rim protection would greatly improve the Lakers' interior defense, addressing a key area of need for the team.
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What the Hawks Will Get in Exchange?
The Atlanta Hawks might consider this trade for several reasons. They would acquire a promising young player in Dalton Knecht, who fits their rebuilding timeline, and gain financial flexibility by moving Onyeka Okongwu's salary, allowing them to reshape their roster. Additionally, the Hawks would secure a valuable asset in the form of an unprotected 2031 first-round pick from the Lakers, which could pay dividends if the Lakers struggle in the future. Meanwhile, for the Los Angeles Lakers, this trade would provide a long-term solution at center, with Okongwu's energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility complementing LeBron James and potentially allowing him to play more at his natural power forward position.