A lot of the rumor mill for the Los Angeles Lakers so far has heavily involved Giannis Antetokounmpo. In all fairness, the same can be said for a lot of teams in the NBA. Despite that, Rob Pelinka would be wise to explore all his options.
Antetokounmpo is an attractive name. However, the Lakers' realistic chances of landing the Milwaukee Bucks superstar are heavily dependent on the Greek Freak pinpointing the organization as his next destination.
If or when Los Angeles is officially removed from the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, there are several names the Lakers can pivot to as their next major trade target.
Bam Adebayo
This would be pretty close to a dream scenario for the Lakers. Bam Adebayo would solve a lot of issues for the team's woes in the frontcourt, both offensively and defensively.
Adebayo is an elite defensive center, capable of erasing and covering up for a team's mistakes with ease. The athletic big man is also more than capable of providing what Luka Doncic is looking for from a frontcourt partner.
A recent NBA report suggested that Pelinka and the front office would not be including Austin Reaves in trade talks this offseason, apart from ones that involve an elite big man. This would be the exception in question.
Jarrett Allen
The implosion of the Cleveland Cavaliers in this year's NBA Playoffs has hopefully created a window for opportunity where the Lakers can come in and help that organization enjoy a shakeup to the core. Stealing away Jarrett Allen would be a massive victory for Pelinka.
Much like Adebayo, Allen can provide a strong two-way impact at the center spot for the Lakers. In theory, one would also imagine his trade value will not be as high as the Miami Heat center.
Allen's contract is a lot more team-friendly too, allowing more freedom to build out the roster in Los Angeles. The Cavaliers big man will earn $20 million in the 2025-26 season before his extension, starting at $28 million, kicks in for 2026-27.
Derrick White
This editorial has previously explored the idea of prying away Kristaps Porzingis from a Boston Celtics team that will be selling this offseason. Why not make an inquiry on Derrick White in the process as well?
The underrated guard is the perfect piece for any contender. White would greatly help the Lakers defensively, allowing them a star defender to throw at other team's top options on the perimeter with regularity.
Offensively, White's ability to do a little bit of everything will help him fit seamlessly beside the Lakers' two superstars. Back-to-back seasons of elite 3-point shooting certainly helps the cause too.
White is likely to be one of the pieces the Celtics will want to keep around, even in the search of financial stability. The Lakers' offer will need to be a strong one.