The Los Angeles Lakers need a center, and they nearly had one at the NBA trade deadline.
But then the physical for Hornets center Mark Williams didn’t go well, and L.A. had to spend the rest of the season without a legitimate starting big guy. It was certainly part of their demise in the playoffs.
Turns out, Williams wasn’t the only center the Lakers wanted. And after that fell through, maybe they’ll target this other center in an offseason deal.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin recently revealed in a radio appearance that the Lakers are fans of Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu.
“I do know that the Lakers made a call to the Hawks around the trade deadline about Okongwu,” McMenamin said. “Lob threat, athleticism, absolutely.”
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Okongwu is a 6-foot-9 center from Los Angeles who played his college ball at USC.
He just completed the best season of his career, putting up 13.4 points per game with 8.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per night.
Okowngu, 24, attended Chino Hills High School.
He was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
And maybe his next step is a homecoming to solve the Lakers’ biggest issue.
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