Kristaps Porzingis might be out there on the trade market. According to Mike Scotto, “Given Porzingis’ inability to stay healthy this season, expect Atlanta to gauge the trade value of his expiring contract on the market ahead of the deadline."
If the rumors are true, the Los Angeles Lakers should think twice before even considering him. The 7’2 forward has talent, no question, but his career lows and injury history make him a high-risk addition.
Right now, it is clear that the Lakers need some big man depth and help on the boards, but they also have a bigger need for consistency than for a fragile big man with a big headline name.
Porzingis’ numbers raise multiple red flags
Porzingis’ numbers this season highlight the concerns. He is averaging 17.4 points, but just 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 0.5 steals while suiting up in only 16 of Atlanta’s 38 games.
His scoring is solid, but his production across other areas, especially rebounding and rim protection, is at a career-low level. On top of that, his defensive mobility has declined, making him a risky piece in a playoff series where every possession counts.
The Lakers have seen this before firsthand. Not long ago, they had Anthony Davis on the roster, who flashed brilliance but could not stay on the floor consistently enough to carry them deep into the postseason. Porzingis fits that same mold.
Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton is already on the Lakers roster and has shown flashes of what he can do when used correctly. When he gets touches and stays involved, Ayton can dominate the glass, finish around the rim, and even make smart plays for teammates.
Last season and in some recent games, we have seen him deliver double-doubles and key contributions that shift momentum. If the Lakers focus on getting him fully engaged, he could provide the reliable interior presence they need without taking a gamble on an injury-prone veteran.
The more pressing roster gap is on the wing. Los Angeles still needs a true 3-and-D player, a role player who can hit open threes and lock down opposing scorers. That type of addition would likely make a bigger impact than Porzingis ever could.
On paper, Porzingis can put up points and block shots, but the reality is harsher. Playoff basketball demands availability, versatility, and defensive reliability. Porzingis’ career lows, ongoing injuries, and declining mobility make him a poor fit for the Lakers’ championship window.
Instead, maximizing Ayton’s strengths and targeting a 3-and-D wing gives Los Angeles a much safer, higher-upside path to contention. Porzingis may turn heads on a stat sheet occasionally, but he is not the answer. The Lakers already have the top-end talent to compete, what they do need is to fill the real gaps around them.