Lakers Eye Long-Term Fit with Luka Dončić in Proposed Kel’el Ware Trade
The Los Angeles Lakers made waves when they pulled off the blockbuster move to bring Luka Dončić to Hollywood. Not because Dončić doesn’t fit - he’s the kind of superstar who elevates any roster - but because few around the league thought he’d ever be available in the first place. Yet here we are, with Dončić now donning purple and gold, and the Lakers pivoting into a new era with him and Austin Reaves as the bedrock of their future.
Now comes the next phase: building a roster that complements Dončić’s unique skill set. That means surrounding him with players who can run with him, space the floor, and most importantly, thrive in the two-man game. Enter Kel’el Ware - a name that's starting to generate buzz in trade conversations, and one that could make a lot of sense in L.A.
The Trade Proposal
To Miami Heat:
- Dalton Knecht
- 2031 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected - Lakers)
To Los Angeles Lakers:
- Kel’el Ware
Let’s break down why this deal might work for both sides - and why it could be a savvy long-term move for the Lakers.
Why Miami Might Make the Move
Kel’el Ware has shown flashes of serious upside, but his role in Miami has been shrinking. In a recent game against Boston, he played just nine minutes - a sign that the Heat may be reevaluating how he fits into their rotation.
This isn’t a new storyline with Ware. Coming into the league, there were questions about his consistency and motor.
But when he’s locked in, there’s no denying his modern big-man toolkit: he can stretch the floor, finish lobs, and protect the rim. Still, Miami has never been shy about moving off young talent if the fit isn’t quite right.
In this proposed deal, they’d be pivoting to Dalton Knecht - a different kind of developmental swing. Knecht has struggled in his second year, but as a rookie, he shot nearly 38% from deep and flashed some secondary scoring chops. That kind of offensive versatility could play well in Miami’s movement-heavy offense, where spacing and off-ball reads are non-negotiable.
Then there’s the draft pick. Sure, it’s lottery-protected and way out in 2031, but with Dončić on board, the Lakers aren’t likely to be drafting in the lottery anytime soon. For a Heat front office that values flexibility and future assets, that pick still holds real value.
Why the Lakers Should Pull the Trigger
This is where things get interesting. Ware’s numbers in Miami might not jump off the page at first glance, but a closer look reveals a player whose production fits snugly next to Dončić.
Through 43 games, Ware is averaging 11.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in just under 24 minutes per game. He’s shooting 54.0% from the field and an eye-popping 41.5% from three - not just stretching the floor, but doing it efficiently.
His true shooting percentage? A rock-solid 63.2%.
That kind of efficiency and floor-spacing from a 7-footer is exactly what you want next to a ball-dominant playmaker like Dončić. Ware can dive hard to the rim or pop out beyond the arc, forcing opposing bigs to make tough decisions at the level of the screen. And if you’ve watched Dončić over the years, you know he punishes indecision better than just about anyone in the league.
Defensively, Ware is still a work in progress. His rim protection is functional - 1.1 blocks per game - and his rebounding (nearly 10 boards per game) helps address one of the Lakers’ lingering issues when they go small around Dončić. He’s not a defensive anchor yet, but the tools are there, and the fit is logical.
And here’s the key: bigs who can shoot, rebound, and protect the paint don’t come cheap. The Lakers aren’t just betting on upside - they’re betting on a player whose skill set aligns perfectly with the franchise’s new trajectory.
The Bigger Picture: Building Around Luka
This isn’t just about adding talent. It’s about building a team that makes sense around Dončić - not just this season, but for the next five to ten years.
The Lakers are still very much in the playoff hunt at 26-16, sitting fifth in the West. But with LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career, the organization is clearly straddling two timelines: honoring the present while planning for the future. That means acquiring players who can grow with Dončić, not just fill gaps in the short term.
Kel’el Ware fits that vision. He’s young, skilled, and already producing in a limited role. With more minutes and a defined role in Los Angeles, there’s reason to believe he could blossom into a long-term piece next to Dončić and Reaves.
For Miami, the move is more about flexibility than fireworks. The Heat are competitive - eighth in the East - but not quite in position to make a deep playoff run. If they’re waiting for the next big swing, whether through trade or free agency, flipping Ware for a shooter like Knecht and a future first gives them optionality without taking a step back.
Final Takeaway
This proposed trade isn’t about headlines - it’s about fit, function, and forward-thinking roster construction. For the Lakers, it’s another move toward building a roster that amplifies Luka Dončić’s brilliance. For the Heat, it’s a calculated shift toward flexibility and system-friendly talent.
Ware may not be a finished product, but the blueprint is there. And in today’s NBA, where floor-spacing bigs who can protect the rim are at a premium, that’s a bet worth making - especially if it helps unlock the full version of Luka Dončić in Los Angeles.