After landing Luka Doncic in a deal no one saw coming at the time, the Los Angeles Lakers quickly turned around and added a big man for their new superstar point guard with the acquisition of Mark Williams. Then, they got cold feet.
The Lakers decided Williams presented too much injury concern after his physical, opting to rescind the trade and leave their team with Jaxson Hayes as the only viable option in the front court. After some initial promise, that situation flamed out as poorly as one could expect.
Now, the Lakers will need to turn elsewhere to secure the center of the present and future for Doncic. Luckily for them, there will be plenty of options to turn to in the upcoming NBA offseason that should prove better than Williams.
Jalen Duren
At the same time the Lakers were pushing for the Williams trade, they also contacted the Detroit Pistons to inquire about Jalen Duren. The Pistons turned down the advances, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
There would be very few better options for Rob Pelinka this offseason than Duren. The Pistons center deserves to get another trade push from the Lakers general manager.
Duren can provide a lot of the same prowess as a pick-and-roll partner, lob threat, and glass eater, while being a more reliable defender than Williams. If the Lakers can secure the athletic center for a similar package to that which was offered for the Charlotte Hornets center, it will be a deal well done.
Walker Kessler
Los Angeles has been persistent about contacting the Utah Jazz with regard to the availability of Walker Kessler. It should not be a surprise to anyone to see them explore that route yet again this offseason.
Kessler’s ability to serve as a rim protector and defensive anchor for the Lakers would help address a lot of concerns for the team. The Jazz center only trailed Victor Wembanyama (3.8) in the blocks per game category, posting 2.4 a night.
The Lakers perimeter defenders could feel comfortable knowing they have that kind of backline support. Plus, that is not the only area in which Kessler shines.
The young big man led the league in offensive rebounds per game, averaging 4.6. Kessler is also a reliable scorer down low, converting 66.3 percent of his shots from the field, and 77.0 percent at 0-3 feet from the basket.
This potential trade really all depends on the Jazz. Pelinka would likely make a move for the 23-year-old in a heartbeat, given the opportunity.
Kristaps Porzingis
The Boston Celtics are expected to shake up the roster this offseason. The Lakers could seize the opportunity to secure a new starting center in the process.
Kristaps Porzingis is not a young man, like the previous two players here. The Celtics center has also been given an opportunity to play with Doncic already, unsuccessfully. However, his growth since that experience should allow him a better chance to thrive in a second go-around.
Pelinka will have the expiring contracts needed to take on Porzingis’ deal this offseason. The move is certain worth considering.