The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2025 offseason with a clear need at the center position.
Los Angeles is reportedly eyeing Brooklyn Nets’ Nic Claxton and Dallas Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford as its top two targets, but acquiring either player is far from guaranteed in what promises to be a hectic summer market.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka must have backup options at center, and one guy he’ll likely be monitoring plays for the Boston Celtics.
On Tuesday, MassLive’s Brian Robb imagined what a trade between the two teams might look like that sends Kristaps Porzingis to the Lakers.
The Trade
Lakers receive…
Celtics receive…
- Gabe Vincent
- Maxi Kleber
- Shake Milton
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“The Lakers need a true center, but would they be open to a Doncic/Porzingis reunion after the pairing flamed out a few years ago in Dallas?” Robb wrote.
“Adding LeBron James to the equation could help this time around but the Lakers may be looking for someone more durable in the center spot at this price tag. Boston is simply turning Porzingis’ salary into cheaper more easily movable options in this type of deal with Vincent and Kleber on expiring deals. If the Lakers are looking for a defensive-minded center, they probably search elsewhere.”
Porzingis’s 2024-25 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to 42 regular-season games. After undergoing surgery in June 2024 for a rare ankle injury sustained during the NBA Finals, KP missed the first 17 games.
Returning on November 25, Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting 48.3% from the field and 41.2% from three during the regular season. Standout performances included a 34-point, 11-rebound game with eight threes against the Nets.
However, a late-season viral illness ruined the playoffs for Porzingis, notably limiting him to 11 minutes in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where he scored four points. KP’s health remains a concern for any teams interested in acquiring him this summer, the Lakers included.
More NBA: NBA insider says Celtics will make summer trades: ‘Different roster’
