The Los Angeles Lakers have made one thing clear this offseason: they’re not standing still. While some teams may be content to maintain the status quo, LA is scouring every corner of the league for impactful talent — especially in the frontcourt. And now, with whispers swirling once again, one name is resurfacing on their radar: Atlanta Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers inquired about Okongwu during last season’s trade cycle. At the time, talks didn’t gain traction. But that interest hasn’t died — and given LA’s persistent need for frontcourt depth, the possibility of renewed negotiations looms large.
Okongwu, just 24 years old, fits the mold of exactly what the Lakers are hunting for. With his elite athleticism, defensive motor, and versatility, he’s a rising two-way big whose game continues to evolve. Standing at 6’8” with a 7’1” wingspan, the former USC standout has carved out a reputation as a relentless rim protector and a highly switchable defender capable of guarding in space — traits that are at a premium in today’s NBA, especially for teams with championship aspirations.
The Lakers, fresh off another disappointing playoff exit, are in urgent need of bolstering their interior presence. While Anthony Davis remains a defensive stalwart and offensive hub, his preference to play alongside a more traditional center has been well-documented. Over the past few years, LA has cycled through names like Dwight Howard, Andre Drummond, Thomas Bryant, and more recently, Jaxson Hayes. None have stuck as reliable, consistent complements.
Okongwu offers the Lakers something they’ve long lacked: a high-energy big who doesn’t need plays called for him to impact the game. His knack for crashing the offensive glass, contesting shots at the rim, and rolling hard to the basket makes him an ideal pick-and-roll partner and a menace in transition. And while he may not stretch the floor with his shooting yet, his mobility and instincts more than compensate.
For the Hawks, the situation is murkier. Atlanta has been actively reshaping its roster under GM Landry Fields and head coach Quin Snyder. With two starting-caliber bigs in Clint Capela and Okongwu sharing frontcourt duties, there’s been a growing sense that a move could be inevitable. Capela, now 30, is a known commodity — reliable, experienced, and more traditional. Okongwu, meanwhile, represents the future, but his ascension has been slowed by Capela’s presence.
Last season, Okongwu posted career-highs in points (10.2), rebounds (6.8), and minutes (25.5) while playing in 80 games — all signs of growth. Yet, he still hasn’t fully broken out, partially due to a role that limits his touches and minutes. A change of scenery could unlock another level of his game, and a team like the Lakers — desperate for youthful legs and energy up front — might be the perfect fit.
The challenge, of course, lies in the mechanics of a trade. Okongwu signed a four-year, $62 million extension with Atlanta in October 2023, set to kick in starting this upcoming season. For the Lakers, that’s a manageable number, but it still requires matching salary and likely draft compensation. LA holds the No. 17 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and has a handful of movable contracts, including Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt. Whether Atlanta would bite on such a package remains to be seen.
It’s also worth noting that the Lakers have a history of pursuing versatile bigs with defensive upside. In their 2020 title run, they leaned heavily on a frontcourt rotation of Davis, Howard, and JaVale McGee — all rim protectors with verticality and defensive versatility. Since then, they’ve tried to replicate that formula with varying degrees of success. Okongwu could be the long-term answer to that persistent question mark.
Another intriguing factor is the coaching situation. With JJ Redick now at the helm, the Lakers are expected to play a more modern, pace-and-space style of basketball, emphasizing movement, spacing, and defensive switchability. Okongwu fits that philosophy to a tee. He can guard multiple positions, slide laterally with guards on the perimeter, and anchor a defense without demanding offensive touches. In essence, he’s the kind of modern big coaches covet in today’s game.
There’s also a developmental appeal here. Still only 24, Okongwu hasn’t yet scratched the surface of his full potential. His offensive skillset is gradually expanding, with a soft touch around the rim, flashes of a mid-range jumper, and improved passing out of short rolls. Under the right tutelage — and with a bigger role — he could blossom into a core piece for a contender. The Lakers may be betting that a change in system and environment could be the key to unlocking that leap.
But for now, no deal is imminent. The Lakers are doing their homework, weighing all options as they chart a path toward contention in the twilight of LeBron James’ career. Okongwu isn’t the only name on their radar, but the rekindled interest is telling. It signals that LA is looking beyond just big names and seeking sustainable, impactful role players who can grow with their core.
For fans and analysts alike, this is a situation to monitor closely. The Lakers have made bold trades before — some home runs, some misses — but their front office, led by Rob Pelinka, knows that time is of the essence. With James opting in to his $52.6 million player option for 2025-26 and Davis in his prime, the window is still open, but not indefinitely.
In the coming weeks, as free agency unfolds and trade chatter heats up, Onyeka Okongwu’s name might resurface again — not just as a rumor, but as a real target. And if the Lakers pull the trigger, it could quietly be one of the most important moves of their summer. Not a blockbuster by name recognition, but a foundational shift in how they build a winning roster.
For now, the message is clear: LA isn’t content. They’re probing the league, seeking edges, and thinking long-term. And if Onyeka Okongwu ends up in purple and gold, don’t be surprised — this has been in the works longer than most people realize.
