The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to making bold moves, and a proposed trade pitch could shake up the NBA landscape by reuniting Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic with his former teammate, Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis. Valued at $158 million, Porzingis could be the key to bolstering the Lakers’ frontcourt while bringing a familiar dynamic back to Doncic’s side in a blockbuster deal that would send shockwaves through the league.
A Trade Proposal to Reunite Doncic and Porzingis
According to Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, the Lakers could acquire Porzingis from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2032 first-round pick swap. While the package may seem modest for a player of Porzingis’ caliber, the trade could appeal to both teams under the right circumstances.
Porzingis, who previously played alongside Doncic during their time with the Dallas Mavericks from 2019 to 2022, has evolved into one of the league’s most versatile big men. His ability to stretch the floor with elite shooting, protect the rim, and contribute on both ends of the court makes him an ideal fit for a Lakers team in need of a reliable center. Despite a challenging 2024-25 season marred by a virus that derailed his playoff performance, a healthy Porzingis remains a game-changer.
Why the Lakers Want Porzingis
The Lakers’ interest in Porzingis stems from their need for a dominant big man to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Porzingis’ unique skill set—combining three-point shooting, rim protection, and playmaking—would add a new dimension to Los Angeles’ offense. His ability to space the floor could create more driving lanes for James and Doncic (in this hypothetical scenario), while his defensive presence would bolster the Lakers’ frontcourt alongside Davis.
During his time with the Celtics, Porzingis has proven he can thrive in a winning environment, contributing to Boston’s championship run in 2024. However, injuries and an undisclosed illness have raised questions about his long-term reliability, which could make the Celtics open to trade discussions if the right offer comes along.
The Doncic-Porzingis Reunion: A Second Chance
The pairing of Doncic and Porzingis in Dallas didn’t live up to expectations, with chemistry issues and injuries preventing the duo from reaching their full potential. However, both players have matured since their time together, and a reunion in Los Angeles could offer a fresh start. As Bailey notes, “Both have likely been humbled a bit by the last few years. And chasing a title alongside LeBron James could have them more focused on that than on who gets the credit for the success.”
Doncic, a perennial MVP candidate, would thrive with a floor-spacing big man like Porzingis, who can pull opposing centers away from the paint and open up the floor for Doncic’s playmaking. Meanwhile, Porzingis could benefit from playing alongside two of the game’s best facilitators in James and Doncic, allowing him to focus on scoring and defense without carrying the offensive load.
What’s in It for the Celtics?
For the Celtics, moving Porzingis would require a compelling return, and the proposed package of Hachimura, Kleber, and two future pick swaps might not immediately jump off the page. However, Hachimura’s versatility as a forward and Kleber’s defensive tenacity could provide Boston with valuable depth. The pick swaps, while speculative given the Lakers’ and Celtics’ status as marquee franchises, could hold value in the distant future, especially if Los Angeles faces roster turnover post-LeBron.
Still, the Celtics would need a strong incentive to part with Porzingis, who remains a cornerstone of their frontcourt. Unless Boston believes they can upgrade their roster or mitigate injury concerns, they’re unlikely to pull the trigger on this deal.
The Bigger Picture
This trade proposal hinges on a hypothetical scenario where the Mavericks agree to part with Doncic, a move that seems unlikely given his status as the face of their franchise. However, if Dallas were to entertain such a blockbuster, the Lakers would leap at the chance to pair Doncic with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, creating a superteam capable of dominating the Western Conference.
For now, this remains a tantalizing “what-if” scenario, but it underscores the Lakers’ ambition to build a championship-caliber roster. Reuniting Doncic and Porzingis in Los Angeles would not only address the team’s need for a center but also create one of the most intriguing storylines in recent NBA history.