The Los Angeles Lakers could very well go big man hunting this summer. After a disappointing end to their season, the Lakers will look to build a roster that can compete for the entire 82-game regular season and beyond.
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L.A. will have a ton of decisions to make this offseason, but one at the top of their priority list is a big man. The Lakers could turn to the draft to fill that void; however, they have the No. 55 overall pick in the draft, so the likelihood of finding a reliable big man, unless they move up, is unlikely.
The Lakers' other option could be via free agency. However, the free agent list for big men this summer isn't that enticing. Because of that, the Lakers have no other option but to trade for one.
The trade market is expected to feature several high-profile names, and the Lakers are likely to be among the most active teams pursuing potential deals.
The Lakers are expected to target a frontcourt upgrade, but the question remains-who might be included in a significant trade to strengthen the roster?
NBA insider Yossi Gozlan of "The Third Apron" has outlined compelling trade scenarios that could help Los Angeles secure a new anchor in the paint.
"...could trade an expiring salary like Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) with Milton's $3 million for [Dallas Mavericks center] Daniel Gafford ($14.4 million). Such a deal could come down to including draft equity or a young player like Dalton Knecht."
Gafford is a reliable option and someone that Doncic is more than familiar with. The Lakers and Mavericks have already traded with each other, so going back to a direct trade partner is common in these scenarios. With the Mavericks holding the No. 1 pick in the draft and likely selecting Cooper Flagg, Dallas may be more willing to trade Gafford.
Whether that will be to the Lakers or not is unclear.
The Lakers could also go to free agency, but it's not as strong as previously mentioned. Gozlan added that L.A. would be better off cutting ties with Maxi Kleber for a big man via trade.
"Some of the best veteran big men available include Brook Lopez, Al Horford, Clint Capela, Luke Kornet, Day'Ron Sharpe, and Precious Achiuwa. But the taxpayer mid-level won't be enough for most of these players," writes Gozlan. "They may be better off keeping Maxi Kleber or trading his $11 million salary for another big man earning as much or less than him."
It's unclear what direction the Lakers want to take, whether that is the three-star player route or depth, but there is no doubt that they need a strong and more formidable frontcourt next season and beyond.
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This story was originally published May 22, 2025 at 10:14 AM.