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Lakers rumors: Darvin Ham’s Bucks connections could help LA bolster frontcourt

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 02: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Fiserv Forum on December 02, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 02: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Fiserv Forum on December 02, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers have championship pieces in place, but the Nuggets series proved they need to get deeper in all facets.

When it comes to the frontcourt, the Lakers don’t have much behind Anthony Davis. Darvin Ham threw ample looks at Nikola Jokic, but it didn’t matter. Jokic feasted all series and underlined one of Los Angeles’ greatest flaws.

Mo Bamba is a prime trade candidate to match salaries in a potential blockbuster deal, while Tristan Thompson is a free agent. As things stand, Davis, LeBron James (if you even consider him a member of the frontcourt) and Jared Vanderbilt are the only “big men” under contract for next season.

With Lakers Nation collectively banging the table for a backcourt overhaul — that presumably includes D’Angelo Russell leaving via a sign and trade and LA pursuing Kyrie Irving to vill the void — it goes without saying Rob Pelinka needs to find more bigs to deploy at the four and five.

Well, thanks to Darvin Ham’s Bucks connections, Bobby Portis is purportedly eyeing a move to Hollywood, per Lakers Daily.

Bucks’ forward Bobby Portis wants to be traded to the Lakers

Consider our interest piqued.

Unfortunately, the Lakers can’t sign Portis outight. He’s under contract through the 2024-25 season, after which he has a player option.

The good news is the Bucks could be headed for a roster makeover after they were eliminated by the No. 8 seeded Heat in the first round of the playoffs. Further, they fired head coach Mike Budenholzer, who loved Portis, andreplaced him with Adrian Griffin.

While Griffin could also be fond of Portis, it appears the 28-year-old vet is keeping his options open with Milwaukee in a period of transition.

Portis played a vital role in the Bucks’ championship run two years ago … when Ham was an assistant under Budenholzer. This report suggests Portis and Ham developed a tight bond during their two-year run in Wisconsin.

On paper, Portis fits exactly what the Lakers need in their front court: a capable defender and rebounder who shoots the three at a high percentage.

This past season, Portis averaged 14.1 points and 9.6 rebounds while shooting 49.6% from the floor and 37.0% on threes. He’s a career 39.3% three-point shooter and his ability to stretch the floor would allow more room for LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves to attack the rim.

It remains to be seen what it would take to pry Portis from the Bucks — if he’s even for sale. We wouldn’t read too much into this report until one of the more prominent NBA insiders chime in — your Adrian Wojnarowski’s and Shams Charania’s of the world — but it does offer some intrigue given the Lakers have Bamba, Malik Beasley and some second-round picks to float as trade chips.

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