NBA Trade Rumors: LA Lakers' 'Perfect Trade Target' Named

The Los Angeles Lakers are on the hunt this offseason, and have been since the trade deadline, to find a suitable center. A new report on Sunday indicates that they inquired about up-and-coming Atlanta Hawks youngster Onyeka Okongwu at the deadline.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, on the Straight Fire podcast (h/t Adam Wells of Bleacher Report), the Lakers made the enquiry before they made the failed trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. That trade was scuttled when the Lakers didn't like what they saw in Williams's medicals.

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.

But that isn't stopping the Lakers from trying. There have been a number of other centers linked to the Purple & Gold as potential targets, including the Boston Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis, and two more reasonable and affordable options.

But they could revisit the Okongwu conversation this summer, as he would also be not only a 'reasonable' solution, but also potentially a "perfect trade target" as noted by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report. With three more years remaining on a deal that averages a $16 million annual salary, his contract wouldn't be too onerous for the Lakers to absorb.

And at just 24 years old, "he's young enough to serve as a long-term roster piece alongside Dončić," writes Knox.

Ever since his selection as the 6th overall pick in the NBA Draft in 2020, Okongwu has improved in each and every one of his five seasons in the league, culminating in a 2024-25 campaign that saw him start the most games he's started in a season, 40, of his 74 games played. He took significant leaps and set career highs with 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He averaged 28 minutes a night for the Hawks.

The Lakers don't have many enticing assets to offer in a trade, however, and according to reports, Austin Reaves will only be on the table if it's in return for a legitimate star.