This trade idea would give the Lakers the type of young center they badly need who is athletic and active defensively and on the boards.

Okongwu, having just completed the first year of a four-year, $62 million contract, is known for his athleticism and defensive skills, despite being slightly undersized for the center position. His skillset aligns with the Lakers' needs, particularly in providing a lob threat and improving their interior defense.

The numbers back up Shaq's claims. Whereas he averaged 30 points per contest in the 2000 and 2001 playoffs, his output slightly dipped to 28.5 points. Meanwhile, though Kobe averaged 26.6 points per contest, a slight dip from his 29.4 output in 2001, the Lower Merion High School standout filled the stat sheet when it mattered most.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Goodwin said he had a decent 2024-25 season but is already looking forward to next season.

The forward brought energy and toughness since the Lakers acquired him in the D’Angelo Russell trade, but his contract status is up in the air for next season.

After making their big acquisition of Luka Dončić, the Los Angeles Lakers at least looked into another significant deal before the February trade deadline.

As the Los Angeles Lakers look to begin building a roster around former Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić, their biggest need is as glaring as it gets. After tr