Exciting times are ahead for the Los Angeles Lakers. When the 2025-26 season starts, they will have a full season with Luka Doncic and LeBron James. On paper, they have a solid chance of being in the conversation with the other contenders in the West.
However, the Lakers need to address their big man problem. The Minnesota Timberwolves constantly picked on that during their first-round series, which led to a gentleman's sweep. The Lakers can't sweep it under the rug, and the one team that could help them with this issue is, in fact, the Timberwolves.
Minnesota will try to get under the NBA's second tax apron while maintaining their status as a contender in the Western Conference. The Lakers would make sense as a trade partner in that regard.
Rudy Gobert
Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27)
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
ClutchPoints' Bailey Bassett proposed a trade to solve their big man problem, but it would come at a significant cost. He outlined a deal that sends Rudy Gobert to LA in exchange for Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber.
"Gobert is still an elite defensive player," Bassett wrote. "The four-time Defensive Player of the Year is still one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. Ultimately, the Lakers just need a big body who can take up space down low and collect rebounds."
Gobert is entering the first year of his three-year, $109 million contract extension (via Spotrac). At 32 years old, he averaged 12 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting nearly 67% from the field. Those are some of the lowest he's averaged in years. However, he's still a quality center that the Lakers could use.