Report: Big Men Eye Lakers to Play With Luka Dončić as Deadline Nears
The interest strengthens Los Angeles' leverage to pursue a center upgrade before Feb. 5.
Overview
- ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported big men would "do back flips" to join the Lakers alongside Dončić, citing an agent with a client who may be on the move.
- Los Angeles has sought a starting center since acquiring Dončić, attempting a failed trade for Mark Williams before signing Deandre Ayton in July.
- Ayton has underwhelmed in his first season with the Lakers and holds an option to exit his contract after the year.
- The Lakers are seen as well positioned to attract low-post help ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, though no transactions have been completed.
- Multiple players, including LeBron James, could hit free agency this summer, potentially creating substantial cap space for a broader roster reset.