Lakers are no strangers to big moves, and this summer could be another. Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World says starting small forward Rui Hachimura could be on the block as L.A. tries to fix the center problem. Could this be the summer they trade one of their core pieces to win?
The Lakers’ Center Conundrum
Since trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, the Lakers have been searching for stability at the center position. Jaxson Hayes is the de facto starter but far from a long term solution. He’s averaging 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks per game but lacks experience and defensive consistency.
The Lakers tried to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets earlier this season but the trade fell through after Williams failed his physical. They also waived Christian Wood and now Alex Len, Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison III are the only depth behind Hayes. Clearly not a sustainable formula for a championship team.
A Bold Proposal: Trade Rui Hachimura for Onyeka Okongwu
Bhattacharya recently proposed a trade that could reshape the Lakers roster. The deal would send Rui Hachimura and the Lakers 2031 first round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Onyeka Okongwu , a rim rolling big man who could provide the physical presence and athleticism the Lakers need.
Why Okongwu makes sense for the Lakers?
Okongwu has been a steady contributor for the Hawks this season averaging 13.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 blocks, 0.9 steals per game and shooting 57.7% from the field. At 24 years old, he’s not only a short term fix but a long term building block alongside Luka Doncic.
As Bhattacharya says:
“This deal makes the Lakers better overall, the team doesn’t have to play someone like LeBron James or Dorian Finney-Smith out of position to cover the need for a center outside Hayes. Okongwu is not just a short term solution but a long term one, as the 24 year old center can thrive alongside Doncic for years to come.”He’s 24.
What About Rui Hachimura?
Hachimura has been a solid contributor for the Lakers, averaging 13.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists per game on a 50.4/40.3/76.0 shooting split . But he’s been a question mark on the roster. At 6-foot-8, he’s too small for a traditional power forward and often finds himself playing out of position at small forward.
If the Lakers decide to prioritize the frontcourt, Hachimura could be expendable. Bhattacharya says the Hawks would welcome him into their rotation alongside young forwards Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson . And getting the Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick would be a nice bonus.
“Hachimura would be a great addition to their group of forwards,” Bhattacharya writes. “He could be another piece they move for more assets or find in the rotation alongside Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson… Getting that future first-round pick will be the Hawks’ top priority, as that’s a good return for Okongwu.”
Lakers’ Long-Term Outlook
Even if the Lakers make a deep run this season—maybe even tie the franchise record with an 18th championship —they’ll still need to address the center position in the offseason. Whether it’s this trade or another, they need to find a anchor in the paint.
With Luka Doncic leading the way, the Lakers have the offense to compete with anyone. But defense and rebounding are still issues. Adding Okongwu could help solve those problems and create a more balanced roster for the future.
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