The Los Angeles Lakers ’ championship aspirations hinge on shoring up their biggest weakness: the center position. With Luka Doncic preferring to play power forward and no true anchor in the middle, the Lakers are zeroing in on Atlanta Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu as a potential solution. The 24-year-old, a former USC standout and L.A. native, could be the perfect fit—if the Hawks are willing to deal him.
After striking out on Charlotte’s Mark Williams at the trade deadline due to health concerns, the Lakers are revisiting their interest in Okongwu, a versatile, high-energy big who could transform their frontcourt. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that L.A. already inquired about him earlier this year, and with the Hawks potentially reshaping their roster, the door may be open for a homecoming deal.
Could Okongwu be the missing piece to elevate the Lakers back into title contention? Here’s why he’s at the top of their wish list.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Need a Center
The Los Angeles Lakers’ lack of a true starting center was exposed last season, particularly in the playoffs. Their failed pursuit of Mark Williams due to a failed physical left them vulnerable in the paint. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin recently confirmed that the Lakers had also inquired about Okongwu before the deadline.
"I do know that the Lakers made a call to the Hawks around the trade deadline about Okongwu," McMenamin said. "Lob threat, athleticism, absolutely."
Key Issues Without a True Center:
- Defensive struggles in the paint
- Lack of rebounding dominance
- Limited rim protection
Onyeka Okongwu: The Ideal Fit?
Onyeka Okongwu, a 6-foot-9 center, is coming off his best NBA season, averaging:
Stat
Average (2023-24)
Why He Makes Sense for the Los Angeles Lakers:
- Local Connection: Born and raised in Los Angeles, played at USC.
- Athleticism & Versatility: Can defend multiple positions and finish at the rim.
- Upside: At just 24, he fits the Lakers’ need for youth and long-term potential.
The Roadblock: Will the Hawks Trade Him?
Onyeka Okongwu was the No. 6 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and has developed into a key piece for Atlanta. However, with the Hawks possibly retooling their roster, the Lakers could make a compelling offer.
Potential Trade Scenarios:
- Lakers trade future picks + a young player (e.g., Jalen Hood-Schifino)
- A three-team deal involving another Hawks target
- Sign-and-trade if Atlanta prefers flexibility
The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office knows they need a reliable center to compete in the West. Okongwu’s blend of athleticism, defense, and local ties makes him an intriguing target. As Billy Heyen of Sporting News noted in the original report, "maybe his next step is a homecoming to solve the Lakers' biggest issue."
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors could land 7-foot-2 Boston Celtics superstar to bolster squad around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
If the Lakers can pull off this move, it could be the missing piece in their quest for another championship run.
After striking out on Charlotte’s Mark Williams at the trade deadline due to health concerns, the Lakers are revisiting their interest in Okongwu, a versatile, high-energy big who could transform their frontcourt. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that L.A. already inquired about him earlier this year, and with the Hawks potentially reshaping their roster, the door may be open for a homecoming deal.
Could Okongwu be the missing piece to elevate the Lakers back into title contention? Here’s why he’s at the top of their wish list.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Need a Center
The Los Angeles Lakers’ lack of a true starting center was exposed last season, particularly in the playoffs. Their failed pursuit of Mark Williams due to a failed physical left them vulnerable in the paint. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin recently confirmed that the Lakers had also inquired about Okongwu before the deadline.
"I do know that the Lakers made a call to the Hawks around the trade deadline about Okongwu," McMenamin said. "Lob threat, athleticism, absolutely."
Key Issues Without a True Center:
- Defensive struggles in the paint
- Lack of rebounding dominance
- Limited rim protection
Onyeka Okongwu: The Ideal Fit?
Onyeka Okongwu, a 6-foot-9 center, is coming off his best NBA season, averaging:
Stat
Average (2023-24)
Why He Makes Sense for the Los Angeles Lakers:
- Local Connection: Born and raised in Los Angeles, played at USC.
- Athleticism & Versatility: Can defend multiple positions and finish at the rim.
- Upside: At just 24, he fits the Lakers’ need for youth and long-term potential.
The Roadblock: Will the Hawks Trade Him?
Onyeka Okongwu was the No. 6 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and has developed into a key piece for Atlanta. However, with the Hawks possibly retooling their roster, the Lakers could make a compelling offer.
Potential Trade Scenarios:
- Lakers trade future picks + a young player (e.g., Jalen Hood-Schifino)
- A three-team deal involving another Hawks target
- Sign-and-trade if Atlanta prefers flexibility
The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office knows they need a reliable center to compete in the West. Okongwu’s blend of athleticism, defense, and local ties makes him an intriguing target. As Billy Heyen of Sporting News noted in the original report, "maybe his next step is a homecoming to solve the Lakers' biggest issue."
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors could land 7-foot-2 Boston Celtics superstar to bolster squad around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
If the Lakers can pull off this move, it could be the missing piece in their quest for another championship run.
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