The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in a stunning blockbuster on Saturday evening. It was a massive win for the franchise that nobody saw coming. Luka has been a perennial first-team All-NBA and MVP candidate for the last half-decade. He is unquestionably one of the best players in the world, but the Lakers have a massive hole.
LA traded Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick to the Mavericks for their superstar. It was too good to pass up, but Davis was frustrated with the team’s center play. The Lakers no longer have AD to sure things up and are left with Jaxson Hayes or undersized options at the five.
Rob Pelinka and the front office must attack their new weakness, but who could the franchise get? They have their 2031 first-round pick and a handful of mid-tier salaries to make a move. Here is a look at some potential options.
10. Nikola Vucevic
The two-time All-Star is widely available but doesn’t fit with the Lakers. He would give them a stretch five to play off Luka and LeBron James. His ability to pop and space the floor would make the Lakers a nightmare matchup, but Vuc is not a rim-protector or defensive anchor. LA desperately needs defense with Doncic and James at the top of their roster.
9. Steven Adams
Adams is playing reserve minutes in Houston this season. It is his first time primarily coming off the bench since his rookie season in 2014. The 6’11 big man is known for his rebounding and ability to control the paint. He is one of the strongest players in the NBA and no stranger to helping a contender.
The Rockets want to stand pat at the deadline, but would they sell Adams? He is only averaging 12.1 minutes per game. Houston has Alperen Sengun at the five and may move if they can get an enticing offer. He may not be the ideal rim protector for the Lakers, but he would certainly be an upgrade.
8. Day’Ron Sharpe
The Nets are in full rebuild mode. They have already traded Dorian Finney-Smith and Dennis Schroder. Fans hear the rumors of moving Cameron Johnson too. Brooklyn just handed out a $100 million contract to Nicolas Claxton. If Claxton is their center of the present and future, they are unlikely to pay Sharpe as he reaches restricted free agency this summer.
Sharpe averages 7.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 17.3 minutes per game this season. It is a career-high in playing time for the 23-year-old. Could he thrive in a larger role elsewhere?
Luka Doncic has been known to elevate a big man. He is one of the best lob passers and shot-creators in the world. The newest Lakers star may help Sharpe unlock his full potential if LA can find a way to acquire him.
7. Jonas Valanciunas
The Wizards signed JV in the offseason. He did not fit their timeline, but the veteran was added to help their young talent grow. Fans knew Valanciunas would always be on the trade block before the deadline.
The 6’11 big man averages 11.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.6 blocks in 19.9 minutes per game. He is a strong rebounder and scorer but does not offer the defense the Lakers need. This could be a significant upgrade at the five. This is far from the ideal fit, but Los Angeles needs help. Valanciunas is an option and may be the best one possible for a couple second-round picks.
6. Clint Capela
The Hawks moved Capela to the bench on Jan. 20 and are clearly headed in a different direction. His minutes and production are down this season, but he still averages 9.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 22.4 minutes per game. The 30-year-old is in the final year of his contract, and Atlanta is ready to move on.
Capela spent five years as the pick-and-roll partner for James Harden in Houston. He just put up strong numbers working with Trae Young. The veteran could be a seamless fit with Doncic and James in Los Angeles.
Making this trade isn’t easy. Capela is earning $22.2 million this season. The Lakers would have to trade out multiple pieces to make the salary matching work, which could be a non-starter for a franchise with questionable depth.
5. Mitchell Robinson
Robinson has not played this season as he continues to recover from offseason ankle surgery. The 26-year-old’s injury forced the Knicks to trade for Karl-Anthony Towns. Mitch Rob will be coming off the bench, but he could be a game-changing starter in LA if he is healthy.
The seven-footer is a strong rebounder and rim-protector who would get plenty of open looks around the basket working with Luka.
It could be the ideal scenario for all parties involved, except the Knicks. New York wants to win now and will be looking for immediate help. The most likely scenario would be a three-team deal, but finding the other franchise could be a challenge.
4. Jakob Poeltl
The Raptors are reportedly not interested in trading Poeltl (subscription required), but they have just 15 wins this season. Toronto is in the race for Cooper Flagg more than the playoffs. Keeping a 29-year-old center does not exactly fit their current timeline. They should look to move Poeltl now with the veteran under contract for two more years guaranteed.
Several teams would be interested if he hits the market. The seven-footer can protect the rim, rebound, and make plays. He is a strong inside finisher with outstanding advanced metrics. Poeltl makes just $19.5 million too. This could be a perfect fit for the Lakers if they can convince the Raptors to change their position.
Masai Ujiri has never been one to alter his plans, which may just make this move impossible. Fans won’t know until closer to the deadline.
3. Jalen Duren
There have been plenty of Duren rumors, and the 21-year-old has struggled as the Pistons have risen the standings. He is still putting up 10.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 25.6 minutes per game, but there have been plenty of head-scratching plays.
Luka could be the one who helps Duren reach his ceiling. He was a lottery pick in 2022. There is tons of potential. Can Duren thrive in a contending situation playing off two of the smartest players in the game? This could give the Lakers a young big man to grow next to Doncic, which could be exciting for LA.
Duren is under contract for the 2025-26 season before becoming a restricted free agent. It would give the Lakes one season to decide if he was a long-term fit before having to make a firm decision.
2. Walker Kessler
Lakers fans have heard the Kessler rumors and are all in on the idea. The big man is an elite finisher, shot-blocker, and rebounder still on his rookie contract. He is a walking double-double with upside to grow.
Danny Ainge has made dozens of trades over the years. He is known for being a tough negotiator and will force the Lakers to pay top dollar to get Kessler. That is the thing holding the deal back, and the Lakers are less likely to give up additional assets knowing they now have to build their roster around Doncic.
1. Myles Turner
Turner is on an expiring contract, and the Pacers cannot extend him until he reaches free agency. He has been linked to the Lakers for years, but the deal has never materialized. Does Indiana finally move as their roster is about to get significantly more expensive?
The 6’11 big man checks off several boxes a franchise desires in a center playing off Luka Doncic. He is a strong shot blocker, floor spacer, and scorer. Finding a career 36.0 percent 3-point shooter who is 6’11 and capable of blocking two shots per game is nearly impossible. This is the ideal move for the Lakers, but making it won’t be easy as the Pacers want to stay in contention.
The Los Angeles Lakers have no shortage of options to fill their need at the five. What move can Rob Pelinka make? He just pulled off a shocking Luka Doncic trade, so expect him to keep building. Stay tuned for all the latest.