The Los Angeles Lakers, following their blockbuster acquisition of Luka Dončić, are expected to shift their focus back to a previously identified area of need: the frontcourt.
Despite acquiring Dončić, the Lakers still possess a glaring weakness in the interior. The departure of Anthony Davis leaves a significant void in the frontcourt, creating a need for a rim-running, defensively-minded center.
Los Angeles Lakers Still Need Frontcourt Help
ESPN NBA insider Dave McMenamin has suggested that the Lakers will actively explore trade options to address this need before the February 6th trade deadline. He highlighted several potential targets, including Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, Robert Williams from the Portland Trail Blazers, and Jakob Poeltl from the Toronto Raptors.
“There’s been interest in Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. Think about Robert Williams in Portland. Perhaps Jakob Poetl in Toronto,” he said. “All of those guys [have] verticality, size, the ability to play above the rim both offensively and defensively. This roster doesn’t really have that. They’d like to fortify that position. And guess what? They only traded one of their first-round picks to Dallas to get Luka Doncic.”
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“Part of why Luka was so effective in leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals was because of Derek Lively, Daniel Gafford, and guys he could be a lob threat at the rim,” McMenamin stated on SportsCenter. “Those guys stayed in Dallas. They didn’t come to LA with Luka. The Lakers will be looking to find a player with a similar skillset as we reach Thursday’s deadline.”
McMenamin also acknowledged the presence of a forward logjam on the Lakers’ roster, suggesting that players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura could be included in potential trade packages to acquire a suitable center.