As the Los Angeles Lakers look to rebuild their frontcourt after trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, a bold trade proposal from Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey suggests Kristaps Porziņģis could be their answer.
The Lakers’ need for a legitimate center was exposed during their first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, when Rudy Gobert dominated with 27 points and 24 rebounds. Jaxson Hayes, who stepped into the starting role post-Davis, simply hasn’t been the long-term solution. Bailey put it bluntly: “The Los Angeles Lakers just need a real center. Porziņģis provides shot blocking, floor spacing and the occasional post-up. And he’d be a dramatic upgrade over Jaxson Hayes.”
Los Angeles Lakers Eye Kristaps Porziņģis as Missing Piece in Post-AD Era
In Bailey’s proposed deal, the Lakers would receive Porziņģis in exchange for Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and first-round pick swaps in 2030 and 2032. For a team still in win-now mode with LeBron James, adding a dynamic offensive big man like Porziņģis could be the spark they need to return to contention.
When healthy, Porziņģis remains one of the NBA’s most versatile centers. He averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks this past season while shooting a career-best 41.2% from three-point range. Though he missed 40 games due to injury and illness, his upside is undeniable—and the Lakers have never shied away from betting on star talent.
The Latvian big man’s pairing with Luka Dončić in Dallas didn’t quite pan out, but Bailey believes a fresh start in Los Angeles might refocus him: “Chasing a title alongside LeBron James could have them more focused on that than on who gets the credit for the success.”
If the Celtics are indeed open to dealing Porziņģis—especially in the wake of their early playoff exit and looming $500 million payroll—this could be the rare blockbuster that benefits both sides. But for the Lakers, it could be the move that defines their post-AD identity.