The Los Angeles Lakers’ lack of size was a glaring issue in their 117-95 playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.
If the Lakers fail to acquire a rim-protecting big man in the offseason, they should attempt to land a frontcourt asset with a multi-dimensional offensive skill set.
The Wrightway Sports Network’s Marrisa Myers crafted a compelling summer trade proposal swapping a stud rookie for a Sacramento Kings standout forward, who nearly averaged 20.0 points per game this season.
“(Domantas) Sabonis has stated he would like to remain a King, but ultimately will realize that this isn’t the team to attach himself to if he wants to truly win,” Myers wrote Saturday.
“He is in the prime of his career, turning 29 in May, and will want to try to win as many championships as possible. If the Kings are entering a rebuild, Sabonis would also be a valuable trade piece for them to get the assets necessary to start that. This would allow Sabonis’ trade request to be accepted.”
“With the idea of a trade coming this offseason, there is one team that should look to do whatever necessary to get Sabonis. That is the Los Angeles Lakers.”
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“If they fall short (in the playoffs this season), this trade becomes even more important, and if they do win it, they should still look to advance their team further with Sabonis for 2025.”
Myers’ trade proposal would send Dalton Knecht and a first-round pick to the Kings for Sabonis.
After losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the No. 9 vs No. 10 Western Conference Play-In contest, the Kings’ challenging 2024-25 season came to a devastating end.
Sacramento finished with a below-average 40-42 record in the loaded Western Conference, likely motivating the organization to make changes in the offseason.
Los Angeles could soon rescue Sabonis, a 6-foot-10 double-double machine from Sacramento.
Considering the Kings aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and the Lakers can’t enter the 2025-26 season without a high-level big man with game-changing qualities, it isn’t a stretch to suggest Sabonis could land in Los Angeles this summer.
Sabonis’s playmaking ability in the low post and on the perimeter, physical finishing around the rim, and fierce rebounding would do wonders for a Lakers squad missing Anthony Davis’ frontcourt presence.
From the Kings’ point of view, the organization would receive a steady, young 6-foot-6 contributor in Knecht, who would help get Sacramento’s rebuild off to a good start.
It’s safe to say an offseason trade involving Sabonis would benefit both parties.
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