As the Los Angeles Lakers look to rebuild their frontcourt after trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, a bold trade proposal from Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey suggests Kristaps Porziņģis could be their answer.
The Lakers’ need for a legitimate center was exposed during their first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, when Rudy Gobert dominated with 27 points and 24 rebounds. Jaxson Hayes, who stepped into the starting role post-Davis, simply hasn’t been the long-term solution. Bailey put it bluntly: “The Los Angeles Lakers just need a real center. Porziņģis provides shot blocking, floor spacing and the occasional post-up. And he’d be a dramatic upgrade over Jaxson Hayes.”
David Butler II-Imagn Images
In Bailey’s proposed deal, the Lakers would receive Porziņģis in exchange for Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and first-round pick swaps in 2030 and 2032. For a team still in win-now mode with LeBron James, adding a dynamic offensive big man like Porziņģis could be the spark they need to return to contention.
When healthy, Porziņģis remains one of the NBA’s most versatile centers. He averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks this past season while shooting a career-best 41.2% from three-point range. Though he missed 40 games due to injury and illness, his upside is undeniable—and the Lakers have never shied away from betting on star talent.
The Latvian big man’s pairing with Luka Dončić in Dallas didn’t quite pan out, but Bailey believes a fresh start in Los Angeles might refocus him: “Chasing a title alongside LeBron James could have them more focused on that than on who gets the credit for the success.”
If the Celtics are indeed open to dealing Porziņģis—especially in the wake of their early playoff exit and looming $500 million payroll—this could be the rare blockbuster that benefits both sides. But for the Lakers, it could be the move that defines their post-AD identity.
Benefits for the Lakers
Kristaps Porzingis, standing at 7 feet 2 inches, is a rare breed of center who combines size, skill, and versatility. His addition to the Lakers’ roster would bring several key advantages:
Floor Spacing: Porzingis is one of the NBA’s premier three-point-shooting big men, creating space for Doncic and LeBron to operate in the paint and drive to the basket.
Rim Protection: Averaging 1.6 blocks per game in his most recent season, Porzingis can anchor the Lakers’ defense, addressing the rim-protection issues exposed by Anthony Davis’ departure.
Chemistry with Doncic: Porzingis and Doncic played together in Dallas from 2019 to 2022. While their partnership didn’t fully click at the time, their shared experience could facilitate a smoother integration. Porzingis would be an ideal target in Doncic’s pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop plays.
Playoff Experience: Despite being limited by injuries, Porzingis played a key role in the Celtics’ championship run, proving he can perform in high-stakes games.
Pairing Porzingis with Doncic and LeBron would allow the Lakers to deploy a versatile lineup, with LeBron at forward, Doncic running the point, and Porzingis anchoring the paint. This combination would enhance both offensive firepower and defensive stability, addressing the weaknesses exposed in their playoff loss to the Timberwolves.
Benefits for the Celtics
For Boston, the trade could be appealing as a way to manage their ballooning payroll, which is nearing $500 million. Rui Hachimura, a versatile forward, could step into a larger role, providing scoring and defensive flexibility. Maxi Kleber, while not a star, adds depth at the forward and center positions with his three-point shooting. The 2030 and 2032 pick swaps give the Celtics future flexibility, especially as they plan for a post-LeBron era while Doncic remains in his prime.
Challenges and Risks
While the trade proposal is intriguing, it comes with notable risks:
Porzingis’ Injury History: Porzingis has battled injuries throughout his career, including a calf strain and a ligament tear that limited him to just seven playoff games in the previous season. The Lakers must be confident in his ability to stay healthy to justify the trade cost.
On-Court Fit: The Doncic-Porzingis pairing in Dallas was not without its challenges, with rumors of chemistry issues. The Lakers’ coaching staff, led by JJ Redick, would need to design schemes that maximize their synergy.
Trade Cost: Losing Hachimura, a promising young forward, and future pick swaps could limit the Lakers’ flexibility down the line. If Porzingis fails to deliver, the trade could prove costly.
Conclusion
The proposed trade to bring Kristaps Porzingis to the Los Angeles Lakers is a high-risk, high-reward move that could reshape the team’s trajectory. With his ability to space the floor, protect the rim, and leverage past experience with Luka Doncic, Porzingis could be the missing piece to elevate the Lakers back into championship contention. However, his injury history and the trade’s cost require careful consideration.
If general manager Rob Pelinka can execute this deal without sacrificing too much of the team’s future, the Lakers could field a formidable lineup capable of challenging powerhouses like the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. This trade could mark a turning point, not only salvaging the 2025-2026 season but also laying the foundation for the Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles.