Los Angeles Lakers Insider: Breaking News, Player Interviews & Highlights

Tag: Luka Doncic Lakers

  • Lakers Expected to Pursue Major Star Center in Free Agency

    Lakers Expected to Pursue Major Star Center in Free Agency

    The Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves was a harsh reminder of their glaring weakness: the lack of a reliable starting center. Head coach J.J. Redick’s decision to start Jaxon Hayes and quickly shift to small-ball tactics backfired, as Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves exploited the Lakers’ size disadvantage.

    While the Lakers made an attempt to address this issue at the trade deadline by pursuing Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, the deal fell through after Williams failed his physical. Now, with the offseason officially underway, the Lakers are expected to explore all available options to solidify their center position.

    Why Jakob Poeltl Makes Sense for the Lakers?

    One name that’s been mentioned as a potential target for the Lakers is Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl. He’s set to make $19.5 million in the 2025-26 season and has a player option for the following year. According to HoopsHype, if the Raptors don’t extend Poeltl, he could be a trade candidate.

    The Raptors getting the 9th pick in the upcoming draft adds another layer to this possibility. If they draft a young big like Derik Queen to replace Poeltl long term, it increases the chances they move him—this offseason or at the trade deadline.

    For the Lakers, acquiring Poeltl would be a realistic and impactful move. While trades for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo have been floated, getting a reliable role player like Poeltl fits better with the team’s current roster and salary cap situation.

    What Jakob Poeltl Brings to the Table?

    Poeltl is the kind of player the Lakers need to add to the frontcourt. 7’1”, he’s a rebounder, rim protector, and finisher of lobs around the basket. He’d be perfect for Luka and LeBron to alley-oop and create space in the paint.

    But Poeltl isn’t a floor spacer—he only took 5 threes last season—but the Lakers can still go small ball when needed. He’d allow them to switch between traditional big man lineups and modern 5 out lineups depending on the matchup.

    The Cost of Acquiring Poeltl

    Unlike the Mark Williams deal, trading for Poeltl might require the Lakers to give up more assets. As an NBA veteran with consistent production, Poeltl has value. But the Lakers must be careful not to overpay or sacrifice Austin Reaves.

    If the Lakers can structure a deal that works for both teams without gutting their core rotation, getting Poeltl should be a no brainer. He can anchor the defense and provide stability in the paint, and that would go a long way in fixing their biggest roster hole.

    A Busy Offseason Ahead for the Lakers

    The Lakers’ offseason priorities are clear: find a solution at center and build a championship supporting cast around Doncic and James. Getting Poeltl would check that box and set the tone for other moves like re-signing role players or targeting shooters in free agency.

    Fans may dream of big blockbuster trades, but sometimes the most effective upgrades come from adding reliable role players. For the Lakers, filling the center hole is the foundation of their offseason, and Poeltl is one of the best options available.

    Addressing the Center Position

    The Lakers’ inability to counter Minnesota’s size in the playoffs showed how important it is to address the center position. Jakob Poeltl is the perfect blend of experience, skill, and fit to help the Lakers next season.

    As the front office navigates free agency and trade talks, they will prioritize finding a stabilizing force in the middle. If they do, the rest of their offseason will only make them more likely to make another deep playoff run.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo Joins Los Angeles Lakers in Trade Deal

    Giannis Antetokounmpo Joins Los Angeles Lakers in Trade Deal

    That seismic move-the one that had everyone in the NBA on high alert-saw the Los Angeles Lakers do the unthinkable: land Luka Doncic. Just 25 years old, the five-time All-NBA guard had led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals-and cemented his status as one of the league’s brightest stars—very recently.

    But the Lakers weren’t finished yet. They went and added another name to their roster that fans thought was utterly out of reach: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP joins forces now with Doncic and LeBron James. The result is a trio that will redefine what a superteam looks like in the NBA. And what a team that is.

    Why Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers Is a Reality?

    Giannis’ long-term future in Milwaukee has been the subject of much speculation for months now. Despite his incredible success with the Bucks—averaging 30.2 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists this season—that success hasn’t quite translated to the one thing Bucks fans really want: a championship. If the team doesn’t deliver on that front, the question of whether Giannis will stick around becomes a lot more pressing.

    That contract of his runs through 2028. But Giannis has all the leverage. If he does decide to leave, the Bucks are faced with a difficult decision: trade him now or risk losing him with nothing to show for it when he hits free agency in 2027. The Lakers’ offer became too good for Milwaukee to pass up.

    Breaking Down the Trade Details

    This blockbuster deal involved significant sacrifices from both sides:

    Milwaukee Bucks Receive:

    • Austin Reaves
    • Rui Hachimura
    • Dalton Knecht
    • Jarred Vanderbilt
    • 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
    • 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)

    Los Angeles Lakers Receive:

    • Giannis Antetokounmpo
    • Tyler Smith

    The Lakers’ decision to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t exactly driven by choice. His contractual leverage in Milwaukee gave the team little room to negotiate. That left the Lakers with no choice but to cough up the costly package that sealed the deal.

    What This Means for the Lakers?

    Once other teams had a chance to make their offers the Lakers’ trade for Giannis was all but done. And those offers – featuring younger stars or draft picks – just weren’t as good as what the Lakers put together. That was largely due to Giannis’ contract situation in Milwaukee.

    Now that Giannis is on board, with Luka Doncic, the NBA is about to get a whole lot more fun. Add LeBron James to the mix – and you have a trio that could – and probably will – dominate for years. Giannis’ skillset is perfect for this duo. As a center he can guard the paint, rebound and run the floor like few others can. That fits with Doncic’s playmaking and LeBron’s all around greatness. In reality – on the court – this trio is a nightmare to match up against.

    Challenges Ahead: Rebuilding the Supporting Cast

    That win—landing Giannis—is huge. But there’s a price to pay. And that price is the loss of key rotation players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt. Those departures have left the Lakers’ bench looking decidedly weaker.

    Now the front office has to get creative. Minimum contracts and savvy veteran signings will be the order of the day as they try to fill out the roster. Guys like Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Dorian Finney-Smith are going to have to step up and play critical roles. But the real challenge will be finding those cheap yet impactful contributors who can support that star trio—without breaking the bank.

    Salary Cap Woes and LeBron’s Potential Pay Cut

    The biggest issue for the Lakers is the salary cap. If LeBron takes a big pay cut in his next contract, they’ll have the flexibility to add one or two more pieces in free agency or trades. His decision will be the key to them staying on top for years to come.

    Are the Lakers Title Favorites?

    With Giannis, Luka, and LeBron on the team the Lakers are instantly a top contender for the 2025-26 title. But it all depends on how they build around them.

    If they get the right pieces they could be a dynasty for years to come.

  • Can Luka Doncic and the Lakers’ Defense Lead to an NBA Title in 2025?

    Can Luka Doncic and the Lakers’ Defense Lead to an NBA Title in 2025?

    The Los Angeles Lakers have faced a lot of challenges this year but one thing is clear: their defense has gotten way better. After trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic and using two-way players, the Lakers are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. With LeBron back and their new defensive identity, can this be the formula for a deep playoff run or even a championship?

    Lakers’ Defensive Turnaround

    At the start of the season the Lakers were 17th in defensive efficiency under Darvin Ham. Fast forward to today and they’re 4th in defensive efficiency since getting Dorian Finney-Smith on December 31. Before he got here they were 21st.

    What changed? The Lakers adopted a new philosophy of intensity, communication and adaptability. Coach JJ Redick implemented a system that uses what he calls “banshees” – players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and Finney-Smith who bring relentless energy and disrupt the opposing team’s offense.

    “We were switching off the right guys,” Redick said after their win over the Suns. “We made it tough for them to get shots and when they did we contested everything.”

    This is working. From January 30 to March 6 the Lakers were the NBA’s best defensive team, first in opponent 3-point shooting and second in transition defense. Packing the paint and forcing teams into tough shots has been the key to their success.

    Luka Doncic: Unexpected Defensive Asset

    Defying Expectations

    When the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, everyone wondered how his defensive limitations would affect the team. He’s more of an offensive wizard than a defensive stopper. But under Redick’s guidance, he’s surprising everyone.

    Since February 10, Doncic has held opponents to 0.81 points per isolation possession, 3rd among players who’ve defended 40+ isolation plays. He’s communicating and playing within the team’s system and is a better defender than ever.

    Even LeBron James and Austin Reaves, who aren’t defensive players, are playing above their standards. As one Western Conference scout said, “Even their biggest defensive liabilities are playing well above their standards.”

    Key Players Driving the Defensive Turnaround

    Dorian Finney-Smith: The Defensive Anchor

    Finney-Smith was the game-changer for the Lakers. 6’7” 220 lbs, he brings size, strength and versatility to the wing. But more importantly he embodies the “banshee” mentality that Redick talks about.

    “Coach JJ told me to be a communicator, use my voice and shoot when I’m open,” Finney-Smith said. “I try to come in, bring energy and play hard.”

    His impact is huge. Since he’s been with the Lakers, the team’s defensive efficiency has gone from 21st to 4th in the league.

    Jordan Goodwin: The Hidden Gem

    Signed to a two way contract in February Jordan Goodwin has become a fan favorite. At 6-3 he plays bigger than his height, he averaged double digit rebounds in college at Saint Louis. Redick said Goodwin “sets the tone” defensively “he flies around and causes chaos”

    But Goodwin’s playoff eligibility is uncertain. Two way players can only play in 50 games in the regular season so the Lakers have to make a decision by April 13 if they want him to be available for the playoffs.

    Challenges Ahead

    Roster Spot Management

    The Lakers have all 15 roster spots filled now so they can’t convert Goodwin or Trey Jemison III (another key contributor) to a standard contract. Waiving a player like Cam Reddish (a former rotation player now out of favor) could free up space but that won’t be an easy decision.

    As the season winds down the Lakers will have to balance their roster while keeping key contributors eligible for the playoffs. As a source close to the team says “it’s a good problem to have” but it’s still a problem that needs to be navigated.

    Upcoming Games

    The Lakers have 15 tough games left and 4 of them are against top 10 offenses (Denver, Memphis, Oklahoma City). These games will be a test for their championship hopes.

    “We can beat any team in the league when we keep them under 100” Finney-Smith said. With LeBron, Luka and Reaves leading the charge offensively the Lakers defense might just be the key to their title.