The Los Angeles Lakers are on the hunt for a long-term solution at the center position, and someone like Oklahoma City Thunder's Chet Holmgren could fit the bill. However, when a Lakers fan tried to recruit Holmgren during the All-Star Weekend, the Thunder star made it clear he’s content where he is.
Holmgren's response was straightforward: “Nah, I like where I’m at.”
And why wouldn’t he be? The Thunder are the reigning champions, and with a roster built for sustained success, Oklahoma City is the place to be.
Holmgren, selected second overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, is a cornerstone of this success. At 23, he’s already one of the league’s premier defenders and continues to elevate his offensive game.
This season, Holmgren became an All-Star for the first time, boasting impressive averages of 17.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 55.9%. He’s the defensive anchor for a Thunder team leading the Western Conference with a 43-14 record.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams alongside Holmgren, and a treasure trove of draft picks, the Thunder are poised for a long run at the top. The Lakers, meanwhile, face an uphill battle this season but have intriguing prospects for the future. They’re set to have significant cap space and three tradeable first-round picks this summer.
The Lakers' future success could hinge on building the right team around Luka Doncic. He’s already proven capable of toppling the Thunder, as seen in the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals with the Dallas Mavericks. Back then, Doncic was supported by Kyrie Irving and solid big men like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, along with strong wing defenders.
The question now is whether the Lakers can assemble a similar supporting cast around Doncic. Only time will tell if they can rise to challenge the Thunder's dominance.