With the trade deadline just around the corner, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads. Their top-tier targets are off the table, and the clock is ticking. If the front office wants to avoid looking back with regret, it’s time to get creative-and fast.
One intriguing trade idea making the rounds could help the Lakers address multiple needs without mortgaging their future. It involves reuniting Luka Doncic with a familiar face from his Dallas days: Kristaps Porzingis.
The proposed deal would see the Lakers send Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2032 second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Porzingis. On paper, it’s not the kind of blockbuster that grabs national headlines, but it’s the kind of move that could quietly reshape the Lakers’ rotation in a meaningful way.
Let’s unpack what Porzingis brings to the table-and why this could be a smart play for L.A.
A Big Man with a Big Skill Set
Porzingis has long been dubbed a "unicorn" for a reason. At 7-foot-2, he offers a rare blend of size, shooting, and rim protection.
He can stretch the floor with his three-point range, knock down tough fadeaways in the post, and alter shots defensively with his length. That kind of versatility is hard to find-and even harder to defend.
In his time alongside Doncic in Dallas, Porzingis averaged just under 20 points per game, shooting 45.1% from the field and 33.7% from deep. While their partnership didn’t translate into deep playoff runs-Porzingis was traded before the Mavs’ 2022 Western Conference Finals appearance-the duo still showed flashes of what could have been a formidable inside-outside combo.
Fast forward to now, and the Lakers could be in position to tap back into that chemistry, this time with LeBron James and Austin Reaves in the mix.
Why This Makes Sense for the Lakers
The Lakers’ current roster has struggled with consistency, particularly when it comes to rebounding and floor spacing. Porzingis helps in both areas. His ability to stretch defenses opens up driving lanes for LeBron and Reaves, and his presence on the glass would help shore up one of the team’s more glaring weaknesses.
There’s also the long-term angle. If LeBron does decide to hang it up-or leave-sooner rather than later, the Lakers would still have a core of Doncic, Reaves, and potentially Porzingis to build around. That’s not a bad foundation, especially if they’re looking to stay competitive in a deep Western Conference.
The Elephant in the Room: Health
Of course, any conversation about Porzingis comes with an asterisk: availability. Injuries have been a recurring theme throughout his career, and at 30 years old, the risk is real. He’s missed significant time in recent seasons, and durability has to be a factor in any trade calculus.
But if the Lakers are willing to gamble on his upside-and if Porzingis can stay on the floor-this move could be a quiet win. He’s a two-way contributor with proven chemistry alongside Doncic and the kind of skill set that fits seamlessly into today’s NBA.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t a splashy, headline-grabbing trade. But it’s the kind of under-the-radar move that could give the Lakers a real edge as they push toward the postseason. With the deadline looming and the West as competitive as ever, calculated risks like this one might be exactly what the Lakers need to stay in the hunt-and possibly extend LeBron’s championship window just a little longer.