The Los Angeles Lakers saw their season come to an end after a swift first-round exit, courtesy of the Minnesota Timberwolves. But the loss may have been the key to triggering new growth, as it helped the team outline the necessary moves they needed to make in the offseason.
The team’s offseason plan was made abundantly clear during the team’s last press conference of the season. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka highlighted their need for a big man, specifically an athletic big man who could be a defensive threat or a floor-spacing big.
While the player profile covers a vast spectrum, it is quite evident that the Lakers are looking for a player who can run the floor with their star, Luka Doncic.
With this in mind, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin appeared on “Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre” to reveal the kind of players who the Purple and Gold had shown an interest in. While referring to the team’s links to Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams, McMenamin said:
“I do know the Lakers made a call to the Hawks around the trade deadline about Okongwu. I think lob threat, athleticism, absolutely. In terms of being a perfect fit, maybe not. They might not get a perfect fit, though.”
Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu would make for an interesting pick-up if the Lakers choose to pursue it. The Hawks’ center is only 24 years old and played in a total of 74 games last season. This kind of durability is appreciated for a Lakers team that had grown accustomed to having injury-prone big men grace the roster.
Okongwu notched a solid average of 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds on 56.7% shooting from the field. Although he doesn’t boast as much defensive upside as Williams, he is an incredibly athletic center with a lot of potential to pair well with a playmaker in the pick-and-roll.
The USC product has been on the receiving end of some great lobs by Hawks guard Trae Young. Given how effective Young is at facilitating easy baskets for rim-running bigs, it is quite evident that Doncic may be able to bring the most out of him as well.
Being able to pair well with the Slovenian is a big parameter for the Lakers. This aspect has seen the team linked to several players, both in free agency as well as the trade market.
From trade targets like Daniel Gafford and Nic Claxton to upcoming free agents like Clint Capela and Brook Lopez, the Purple and Gold have kept their radar open.
McMenamin also made an important addition to his statement by mentioning that the Lakers will have the taxpayer mid-level exception available to them. While it will be difficult for the Lakers to acquire a legitimate center under normal circumstances, there have been trade proposals that facilitate Capela joining them using it.
Meanwhile, the Purple and Gold have also been included as part of some blockbuster deals involving some superstars. However, these ideas may not align with the team’s offseason plans.
