The Lakers will embark on their quest for a center this offseason, with some notable names already on their radar. That list just grew with reporting from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, who confirmed their interest in a young center who is familiar with the City of Angels.
Report: Lakers Interested in Hawks Center with LA Ties
Lakers Tied to Onyeka Okongwu
McMenamin appeared on “Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre” Thursday and said the Lakers have had interest in Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu since before the trade deadline. He noted the Lakers called the Hawks between their deal for Luka Doncic and the since-rescinded trade for Hornets center Mark Williams.
“Before the Mark Williams trade, and I can’t tell you all the names on that list but I actually assume he was one of the names on the list that Rob Pelinka presented to Luka because I do know the Lakers made a call to the Hawks around the trade deadline about Okongwu,” McMenamin said.
McMenamin also cautioned against trading for Nets center Nic Claxton, who was one of the earliest names connected to LA but is making $25 million next season.
Okongwu grew up in Chino, Calif., attended Chino Hills High School with the Ball brothers, and spent his lone collegiate season with the USC Trojans. The sixth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, he averaged 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game on .567/.324/.759 splits this season. Since entering the starting lineup on Jan. 20, Okongwu averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He shot 58%from the field and 36% from deep in that span.
Okongwu is a Wise Option for Lakers
At 6’8” and 235 pounds with springs in his shoes, Okongwu is a solid pivot for the Lakers, who will continue to canvas the trade market to solve their problems in the frontcourt. He is a perfect lob threat for Doncic and LeBron James, having already experienced stellar playmaking with Trae Young. He has also been an efficient roller in general, scoring on 64% of his pick-and-roll opportunities and ranking in the 82nd percentile. And he was able to hold his own on defense despite his undersized frame, posting the fourth-best defensive rating on the Hawks (113.7) and tallying seven games with three or more blocks. With the Lakers searching for young bigs who can thrive on both ends, Okongwu checks those boxes with hometown ties to boot.
The Hawks big man just finished the first of a four-year, $62 million contract and will earn $15 million next season. If the Lakers were to re-engage in trade talks, a potential framework could include one of LA’s expiring contracts—Rui Hachimura ($18.2M), Gabe Vincent ($11.5M), or Maxi Kleber ($11M)—plus adequate draft capital and, if need be, Dalton Knecht.
Okongwu has proven he can step in as a starter and make a meaningful impact for a team with playoff aspirations, even if the Hawks fell short this season. The Lakers should certainly pursue him as an ideal center who fits their playing style and long-term future.
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