The Los Angeles Lakers head into the offseason in search of a long-term solution at the big man position. Luka Doncic is known to favor a rim-runner. Rob Pelinka will undoubtedly be keen to keep his new star talent happy.
In a recent trade proposal from Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the Lakers get their hands on a big man already used to playing next to Doncic. Dereck Lively II may not be the lob threat the Lakers are craving, but he is an impactful center who could thrive as the team’s starting big man.
The proposed trade looks like this:
Lakers Get: Dereck Lively II and P.J. Washington
Mavericks Get: Austin Reaves and Shake Milton
“The Lakers would need to decide whether Lively qualifies as the impact big they’re after, but save for some injury issues, his first two seasons have been true head-turners,” Buckley wrote. “And since he spent a season-plus with Dončić in Dallas, Lively might hit the ground running in L.A. Washington, meanwhile, has the same connection with Dončić and could bring both defensive versatility and shot-making to the perimeter group.”
Lively played in 36 games this season, averaging 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He shot 70.2% from the field. At just 21 years old, he would be the ideal long-term partner next to Doncic and already knows how to fit alongside the superstar forward.
Lakers Have Reportedly Shown Interest in Collins
According to Anthony Irwin of Clutchpoints, the Lakers have offered Rui Hachimura in the hope of landing John Collins from the Utah Jazz.
“Sources close to the Los Angeles Lakers say that internally, they have long been fans of John Collins, who has the ability to stretch the floor both as a deep threat or someone who can finish well above the rim,” Irwin wrote. “Many within the Lakers organization believe Collins would be an especially great fit alongside Luka Dončić. Since their season ended, they’ve held a few conversations with the Utah Jazz to try to land the 27-year-old big man, with Rui Hachimura often the centerpiece of the deal.”
Collins can play an above-the-rim role. He has great athleticism and is a force on the glass. Furthermore, he’s shown a touch when shooting from the perimeter. That sort of versatility will undoubtedly entice JJ Redick.
In 40 games for the Jazz this season, Collins averaged 19 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2 assists. He shot 52.7% from the field and 39.9% from deep.
Lakers’ Priority Remains at the Center Position
In the same article, Irwin reiterated that the Lakers’ current priority is to acquire a talented big man.
“If the Lakers were to include one of their expiring contracts (Gabe Vincent or Maxi Kleber), the contracts would match up almost perfectly, even to the extent to where the Lakers would be taking back less than they send out and would thus avoid a hard cap at the first apron,” Irwin wrote. “Nothing is particularly imminent at this moment, as the Lakers are still focused first and foremost on trading for their starting center.”
The NBA offseason still hasn’t officially started. The NBA Finals are still ongoing. As such, Pelinka has more than enough time to figure things out and add a big man to the rotation. However, as things stand, it’s growing increasingly difficult to predict who that big man could be.
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