The Los Angeles Lakers may be on the verge of making a major splash this offseason, with Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey proposing a stunning trade that would bring Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis to Hollywood. In the deal, the Lakers would send Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2032 first-round pick swap to the Celtics in exchange for the 7’3″ Latvian.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kristaps Porzingis
Boston Celtics Receive: Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, 2030 First-Round Pick Swap, 2032 First-Round Pick Swap
Porzingis, when healthy, remains one of the most unique big men in the NBA. He averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 48.3% from the field and a scorching 41.2% from three-point range this past season.
His ability to stretch the floor while protecting the rim would be a massive upgrade over the current Lakers starter, Jaxson Hayes, especially as Los Angeles searches for frontcourt help after trading Anthony Davis to Dallas in the blockbuster Luka Doncic deal.
For Boston, the trade would signal a potential fire sale. With Jayson Tatum recovering from a torn ACL and the Celtics facing over $500 million in projected salary and tax penalties next season, the team is rumored to be considering a major teardown.
Reports have linked Derrick White to the Golden State Warriors, while Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday have drawn interest from the Houston Rockets. Offloading Porzingis for draft flexibility and younger forwards like Hachimura fits that plan.
The Lakers, meanwhile, have been connected to several high-profile centers, but Porzingis offers the most complete offensive and defensive upside of the group. Daniel Gafford remains a trade option, especially given his chemistry with Luka Doncic and the Mavericks’ logjam at the center spot.
Mitchell Robinson could be a fallback candidate as well, though his health issues remain a concern. Nicolas Claxton would be an ideal fit, but sources say the Brooklyn Nets are reluctant to part with the athletic defensive anchor.
As for the Lakers’ side of the deal, Rui Hachimura has been a solid contributor since arriving in 2023, averaging 12.6 points per game on 51.7 percent shooting with a strong 40.2 percent from three. Maxi Kleber, acquired in the Anthony Davis trade, made just one playoff appearance this year due to lingering injuries but remains a capable stretch big when healthy.
Porzingis, Hachimura, and Kleber all have contracts expiring after the 2025-26 season, which makes this move manageable financially for both sides. The Lakers preserve their core while giving LeBron James and Luka Doncic the kind of frontcourt star that can shoot, rim protect, and complement their play styles.
With James entering his 23rd season and Doncic now the franchise’s long-term centerpiece, adding a versatile center like Porzingis would significantly raise the team’s ceiling.
This trade may not be official yet, but if the Celtics indeed begin a teardown, Porzingis to the Lakers could be the first domino. For a team still chasing Banner No. 18, this may be the boldest and most logical path forward.
