If you're a big man in the NBA, there are few better players to maximize your offensive skill set than Luka Doncic. The barrier of entry is pretty low. As long as you're willing to set screens, run to the rim, and otherwise sit in the dunker spot, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar will make your life pretty easy.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon revealed there are already plenty of bigs already looking at the set-up in Los Angeles and gushing over the idea of playing alongside Doncic. The NBA reporter delivered an empathic statement on the matter during a recent episode of The Hoop Collective.
MacMahon said, "Big men will do back flips to be able to be in that Lakers uniform, paired with Luka. I was talking an agent who's got a big man — may or may not be on move — who would love to get his guy in LA. Big men are going to want to play with Luka, that much I can assure you."
What comforting news that is for the Lakers. Rob Pelinka still needs to find a long-term partner (or two) for Doncic at the center position. This summer is their best opportunity to do so. Knowing there are already players watering at the mouth to join Luka in Los Angeles is a big confidence boost for the franchise.
Tim MacMahon says Lakers’ free agency outlook just got much brighter
For anyone growing frustrated with the short-term future for the Lakers, the upcoming summer has long been the solace in the pain. Free agency was always going to be the best tool for an asset-starved team like Los Angeles to upgrade their roster.
Growing frustrations with Deandre Ayton have made it crystal clear the former first overall pick will not be the long-term pick and roll partner for Doncic. That role still needs to be filled and the Lakers will hope to do it before next season arrives.
There is no kicking the can down the road either. The Lakers already look like they are taking a gap year in 2025-26. That is never a good thing when you have a superstar player in his prime.
Granted, Doncic was gifted to the Lakers on a silver platter and the franchise was unprepared. The team is still ways off from being optimized around him.
Beyond having a capable co-star, the big man position is the next most important thing on the priority list for the Lakers to adequately address. Thankfully for them, they should not have too difficult of a time in doing so.