After another disappointing early playoff exit, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Despite a roster featuring future Hall of Famer LeBron James and the dynamic talent of Luka Dončić (via recent trade speculation), their shortcomings—particularly at the center position—were once again exposed. With rumors swirling and the front office already hard at work, a bold new trade possibility has emerged: a deal to acquire Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu, a move that could cost the Lakers up to $61.98 million but might be the missing piece to their championship puzzle.
The Lakers’ glaring need for a dominant interior presence became painfully clear during their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Game 5 was especially revealing. Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert had a field day, posting an eye-popping stat line of 27 points and 24 rebounds. The Lakers simply had no answer for his physicality and ability to control the paint. The absence of a reliable big man left LeBron James and the rest of the squad struggling to keep up, both offensively and defensively.
This weakness has not gone unnoticed by the Lakers’ front office. According to a report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, General Manager Rob Pelinka was already exploring options to strengthen the center position well before the team’s postseason woes reached a boiling point. McMenamin revealed that Pelinka reached out to the Atlanta Hawks before the February trade deadline inquiring about Onyeka Okongwu. At the time, the Lakers were searching for a long-term solution at center—one that could protect the rim, switch defensively, and contribute on offense when necessary.
While those initial trade talks didn’t result in a deal, the interest in Okongwu remains high. Pelinka ultimately pivoted and attempted to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets instead. Unfortunately for the Lakers, that trade fell apart after Williams failed a physical, leaving the team without the interior reinforcement they desperately needed.
Now, with the offseason in full swing and more time to negotiate, the Lakers could return to the bargaining table with the Hawks. Okongwu, 23, is coming off a career-best season and is widely regarded as one of the league’s most promising young big men. His combination of agility, shot-blocking, rebounding, and improving offensive game makes him a perfect complement to a squad led by James and Dončić. More importantly, he has the youth and upside to serve as a foundational piece for the post-LeBron era.
Of course, any potential deal involving Okongwu wouldn’t come cheap. With a contract valued at nearly $62 million, the Lakers would need to match salaries and likely include future draft capital or young assets to entice the Hawks. Given the Hawks’ uncertain direction and willingness to shake up their roster, however, there may be room for negotiation.
If the Lakers hope to make another legitimate title run before LeBron James inevitably retires, addressing their deficiencies at the center position is non-negotiable. Okongwu may be the answer they’ve been searching for—a high-upside big who can anchor the paint, thrive in transition, and give the Lakers a much-needed edge in future playoff battles.
Only time will tell if this rumored blockbuster materializes, but one thing is certain: Los Angeles is on the hunt, and all eyes are on Rob Pelinka to make the next move.