Tacko Fall is back in the spotlight-and this time, he’s making noise in a way that’s hard to ignore.
The 7-foot-6 center turned heads during Friday’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, delivering a dominant double-double performance that reminded fans just how impactful he can be when he’s on the floor. Fall finished with 20 points, 21 rebounds, and five blocks for Team Giannis in their 65-58 win, showcasing the kind of rim protection and interior presence that’s become increasingly rare in today’s game. While actor Rome Flynn walked away with MVP honors for the second straight year, it was Fall who left scouts and fans alike buzzing.
Naturally, the performance has sparked fresh conversation about a potential NBA return-and one team that could benefit from his unique skill set is the Los Angeles Lakers.
Let’s be clear: the Lakers are in a defensive bind. They’ve struggled to protect the paint consistently this season, and adding a true shot-blocking anchor could go a long way in stabilizing their interior defense.
That’s where Fall fits in. His size alone changes the geometry of the court, and while he’s not a switch-heavy big, he doesn’t need to be.
His ability to alter shots at the rim is undeniable, and in the right system, that kind of presence can swing possessions in critical moments.
But there’s a catch-actually, a few.
First, Fall is currently under contract with the Ningbo Rockets in China, where he’s playing a significant role in their starting lineup. That makes any potential move back to the NBA a logistical challenge. Negotiating a release from that deal isn’t impossible, but it’s far from simple, especially with Ningbo relying on him as a key contributor.
Then there’s the roster math. The Lakers are at the 15-player limit after signing Kobe Bufkin to a two-year deal following his strong stint with the South Bay Lakers.
So even if Fall were available, the Lakers would need to make a move to free up a spot. That could mean waiving a player or exploring a trade-both options that require careful cap management and strategic foresight, especially this close to the postseason.
Still, there’s a potential path forward. Fall has never signed a standard NBA contract during his previous stints with the Celtics and Cavaliers, which means he could likely be brought in on a team-friendly deal that fits within the Lakers' current cap structure. For a team looking to shore up its defense without making a major financial commitment, that’s a compelling option.
And let’s not overlook the intangible factor: momentum. Fall’s performance in the Celebrity Game wasn’t just entertaining-it was a reminder of the raw tools he brings to the table.
He looked confident, engaged, and physically dominant, even in a lighthearted setting. Sometimes, all it takes is the right opportunity at the right time-and with the playoffs looming, the Lakers might want to take a closer look.
Adding to the fun of the night was Giannis Antetokounmpo, who coached Team Giannis and offered Fall some classic sideline advice that drew laughs from fans and players alike.
“Quit trying to be like Wemby, be like Shaq!” Giannis joked.
It was a light moment, but it hit on something real. Fall isn’t going to stretch the floor or handle the ball like Victor Wembanyama-but he doesn’t need to.
His game is about verticality, rim protection, and old-school dominance in the paint. And in the right role, that can still be incredibly valuable.
Time will tell if an NBA return is in the cards. But if Friday night was any indication, Tacko Fall isn’t done making his presence felt-and teams like the Lakers might want to take notice.