Lakers Linked With Hawks' Big Man Onyeka Okongwu: "Lob Threat, Athleticism..."
The Los Angeles Lakers saw their season come to an end after a swift first-round exit, courtesy of the Minnesota Timberwolves. But the loss may have been the key to triggering new growth, as it helped the team outline the necessary moves they needed to make in the offseason.
The team's offseason plan was made abundantly clear during the team's last press conference of the season. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka highlighted their need for a big man, specifically an athletic big man who could be a defensive threat or a floor-spacing big.
Advertisement
While the player profile covers a vast spectrum, it is quite evident that the Lakers are looking for a player who can run the floor with their star, Luka Doncic.
With this in mind, ESPN's Dave McMenamin appeared on "Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre" to reveal the kind of players who the Purple and Gold had shown an interest in. While referring to the team's links to Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams, McMenamin said:
"I do know the Lakers made a call to the Hawks around the trade deadline about Okongwu. I think lob threat, athleticism, absolutely. In terms of being a perfect fit, maybe not. They might not get a perfect fit, though."
Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu would make for an interesting pick-up if the Lakers choose to pursue it. The Hawks' center is only 24 years old and played in a total of 74 games last season. This kind of durability is appreciated for a Lakers team that had grown accustomed to having injury-prone big men grace the roster.
Advertisement
Okongwu notched a solid average of 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds on 56.7% shooting from the field. Although he doesn't boast as much defensive upside as Williams, he is an incredibly athletic center with a lot of potential to pair well with a playmaker in the pick-and-roll.
The USC product has been on the receiving end of some great lobs by Hawks guard Trae Young. Given how effective Young is at facilitating easy baskets for rim-running bigs, it is quite evident that Doncic may be able to bring the most out of him as well.
Being able to pair well with the Slovenian is a big parameter for the Lakers. This aspect has seen the team linked to several players, both in free agency as well as the trade market.
From trade targets like Daniel Gafford and Nic Claxton to upcoming free agents like Clint Capela and Brook Lopez, the Purple and Gold have kept their radar open.
Advertisement
McMenamin also made an important addition to his statement by mentioning that the Lakers will have the taxpayer mid-level exception available to them. While it will be difficult for the Lakers to acquire a legitimate center under normal circumstances, there have been trade proposals that facilitate Capela joining them using it.
Meanwhile, the Purple and Gold have also been included as part of some blockbuster deals involving some superstars. However, these ideas may not align with the team's offseason plans.
Related: NBA Rumors: 4 Veterans The Lakers Could Acquire This Offseason
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
LaVar Ball wants his sons to play for the Lakers
When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted University of California, Los Angeles guard Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, it meant that his father, LaVar, would be front and center. The elder Ball, who played college basketball and had a brief pro football career, was essentially a hype man for his son, as well as the CEO of Big Baller Brand, a clothing and sneaker manufacturer. He drew the ire of many people when he claimed that the younger Ball was a better player than Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry and even said that the younger Ball was "the best player in the world." While the 6-foot-6 guard had his moments, he failed to even come close to playing at an All-Star level, and after two years with the Lakers, they sent him to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Anthony Davis trade. Advertisement Now that a majority share of the Lakers is going to be sold by the Buss family to Mark Walter, the elder Ball wants his three sons — Lonzo, LaMelo and LiAngelo — to play for the Purple and Gold and for Magic Johnson to return to the organization. 'More news!' LaVar said. 'The Lakers just sold for $10 billion. Uh oh. Hey, [Los Angeles] Clippers, you better get my boys or Lakers if you put Magic back in line. Let Magic run this thing so we go get these championships, 'cause he know what to do. Magic, this for you. Since them Lakers is ran by a new group, shoot. A new time, new era. Go get the Ball boys. Hey, it's not even about a bidding war. First come, first serve. 'Whoever wants them championships, better get the Ball boys. Trust me when I tell you. But Magic, if you in line, I'm down with you, dawg. Holler at your boy.' Johnson was the Lakers' president of basketball operations from February 2017 to April 2019. He was a key reason the Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball in 2017, and he even visited the Ball clan in Chino Hills just prior to that year's draft. He has also been involved with Walter since 2012 as part of the group that owns the Los Angeles Dodgers. Under their leadership, the Dodgers have had a tremendous amount of success, which includes two World Series championships in 2020 and 2024. Advertisement Lonzo Ball has had lots of trouble staying healthy since coming into the NBA. As a member of the Chicago Bulls, he suffered a meniscus tear in January 2022, and although he was initially expected to miss up to eight weeks, he ended up being out of action for nearly three calendar years. He ultimately underwent multiple surgical procedures as a result of the injury. Although he returned to action on Nov. 27, 2024, he only played in 35 games afterward. For the season, he averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 22.2 minutes a game while shooting 36.6% from the field. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LaVar Ball wants his sons to play for the Lakers
USA Today
5 hours ago
- USA Today
LaVar Ball wants his sons to play for the Lakers
When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted University of California, Los Angeles guard Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, it meant that his father, LaVar, would be front and center. The elder Ball, who played college basketball and had a brief pro football career, was essentially a hype man for his son, as well as the CEO of Big Baller Brand, a clothing and sneaker manufacturer. He drew the ire of many people when he claimed that the younger Ball was a better player than Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry and even said that the younger Ball was "the best player in the world." While the 6-foot-6 guard had his moments, he failed to even come close to playing at an All-Star level, and after two years with the Lakers, they sent him to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Anthony Davis trade. Now that a majority share of the Lakers is going to be sold by the Buss family to Mark Walter, the elder Ball wants his three sons — Lonzo, LaMelo and LiAngelo — to play for the Purple and Gold and for Magic Johnson to return to the organization. 'More news!' LaVar said. 'The Lakers just sold for $10 billion. Uh oh. Hey, [Los Angeles] Clippers, you better get my boys or Lakers if you put Magic back in line. Let Magic run this thing so we go get these championships, 'cause he know what to do. Magic, this for you. Since them Lakers is ran by a new group, shoot. A new time, new era. Go get the Ball boys. Hey, it's not even about a bidding war. First come, first serve. 'Whoever wants them championships, better get the Ball boys. Trust me when I tell you. But Magic, if you in line, I'm down with you, dawg. Holler at your boy.' Johnson was the Lakers' president of basketball operations from February 2017 to April 2019. He was a key reason the Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball in 2017, and he even visited the Ball clan in Chino Hills just prior to that year's draft. He has also been involved with Walter since 2012 as part of the group that owns the Los Angeles Dodgers. Under their leadership, the Dodgers have had a tremendous amount of success, which includes two World Series championships in 2020 and 2024. Lonzo Ball has had lots of trouble staying healthy since coming into the NBA. As a member of the Chicago Bulls, he suffered a meniscus tear in January 2022, and although he was initially expected to miss up to eight weeks, he ended up being out of action for nearly three calendar years. He ultimately underwent multiple surgical procedures as a result of the injury. Although he returned to action on Nov. 27, 2024, he only played in 35 games afterward. For the season, he averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 22.2 minutes a game while shooting 36.6% from the field.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Key Celtics Vet Predicted to Bolt Boston for Hawks
Key Celtics Vet Predicted to Bolt Boston for Hawks originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Atlanta Hawks could start to surround their young talent with reliable veteran players in free agency. The Hawks have a bright future with Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels. Additionally, they have an All-Star guard, Trae Young, at the helm, who could elevate their game. Advertisement Making moves to surround their young talent could be the right approach this summer. One of the Hawks' major concerns for their roster is their frontcourt depth. There have been conversations that veteran big man Clint Capela will sign with a different organization as an unrestricted free agent. Atlanta has also shown a preference for Onyeka Okongwu as their starting center for the future. This means the Hawks are targeting a veteran big man who could provide help on both ends of the floor. Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet and center Al Horford walk off the court during a Dedmon-Imagn Images Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently released his free agency predictions. Pincus linked the Hawks to veteran big man Luke Kornet. Kornet is set to be a free agent this summer following his one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Boston Celtics. Advertisement Pincus explained that his defense could entice Atlanta to add him to the young roster. "Kornet may not be a starter, but he's shown throughout the last few years that he's a viable rotation center who can provide a defensive presence. That might be enough for a team to pay more than Boston can or will, especially with the Celtics facing massive repeater taxes, in a year when Tatum (Achilles) is unlikely to suit up," Pincus wrote. According to Pincus, the bi-annual exception of $5.1 million could be enough to snatch him away from Boston. Last season, Kornet appeared in 73 games and averaged six points, 5.3 rebounds and a block. In the playoffs, the 7-foot-2 center had 4.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. In Game 5 against the New York Knicks in the second round of the postseason, he had 10 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks in 25 minutes. His performance on both ends of the floor helped the Celtics to secure a 127-102 victory. Related: Trae Young News Emerges on Friday Amid NBA Trade Rumors This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
