The Los Angeles Lakers need to acquire a center this offseason after playing without one in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Head coach JJ Redick also didn't play a center in the second half of Game 4.
Despite having Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves and home-court advantage, the Lakers lost to the Timberwolves in five quick games.
Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka told local reporters during his end-of-the-season press conference that he will attempt to acquire a big man this summer. Pelinka traded for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams in February, but the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical with Los Angeles.
In the wake of the Boston Celtics losing to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals in six games, one NBA analyst proposed that the Lakers and Celtics make a blockbuster trade this summer.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed that the Lakers trade Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, a 2030 first-round pick swap and a 2032 first-round pick swap to the Celtics for Kristaps Porzingis.
"And while the Porzingis/Doncic duo didn't quite jell with the Dallas Mavericks, both have likely been humbled a bit by the last few years. And chasing a title alongside James could have them more focused on that than on who gets the credit for the success," Bailey wrote.
"More to the point, the Lakers just need a real center. Porzingis provides shot blocking, floor spacing and the occasional post-up. And he'd be a dramatic upgrade over Jaxson Hayes."
Doncic and Porzingis were teammates on the Mavericks. If this trade idea happens, Redick could start Doncic, Reaves, Dorian-Finney Smith, James and Porzingis next season.
Porzingis will make $30.7 million next season in the final year of his contract. He averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Celtics this season while shooting 41.2% from beyond the arc.