The NBA offseason is always a whirlwind of speculation, blockbuster trades, and shocking free-agent signings, but this year, the Los Angeles Lakers seem determined to make the biggest splash possible. After already securing a monumental deal earlier this season by acquiring Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić, the Lakers are now rumored to be targeting another key piece from the Mavericks’ roster: a $22,282,691 big man who could solidify their frontcourt and elevate their championship aspirations.
The Lakers, a franchise synonymous with high-profile moves, have never shied away from making bold decisions to stay in title contention. With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career and Anthony Davis needing consistent support to maintain his dominance, the front office is under immense pressure to build a roster capable of competing with the league’s elite. After pulling off what many considered an impossible trade for Dončić, the Lakers are now eyeing a follow-up move that could reshape the Western Conference hierarchy once again.
The Mavericks’ Big Man in Question
While the name of the player hasn’t been explicitly confirmed in all reports, the salary figure of $22,282,691 points directly to one key Mavericks big man: Kristaps Porziņģis. The Latvian unicorn has been a polarizing figure since entering the league, showcasing elite scoring ability, rim protection, and floor spacing but also struggling with injuries and consistency. However, when healthy, Porziņģis is one of the most unique talents in the NBA—a 7’3” big who can shoot from deep, protect the rim, and create mismatches against smaller defenders.
Porziņģis’ fit alongside Dončić in Dallas was always intriguing, but after the Mavericks lost their Slovenian superstar to the Lakers, the franchise may now be in full rebuild mode. If that’s the case, moving Porziņģis for young assets, draft picks, or expiring contracts could be the next logical step. For the Lakers, acquiring a player of Porziņģis’ caliber would be a game-changer, giving them a third star to pair with Dončić and Davis.
Why the Lakers Would Make This Move
The Lakers’ biggest weakness in recent years has been their lack of reliable size and shooting in the frontcourt. Anthony Davis, while phenomenal, has had his own injury concerns, and the team has often relied on aging veterans or unproven young players to fill the center position. Porziņģis would immediately address both issues.
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Elite Floor Spacing – Porziņģis is a career 36% three-point shooter, a rare trait for a player of his size. His ability to stretch the floor would create driving lanes for Dončić and LeBron while preventing defenses from collapsing on Davis in the paint.
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Rim Protection – Despite his offensive prowess, Porziņģis is also a formidable shot-blocker, averaging nearly two blocks per game for his career. His presence would allow Davis to play his more natural power forward position while still maintaining a dominant defensive frontcourt.
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Scoring Versatility – Porziņģis can score from all three levels, making him a nightmare matchup for opposing big men. Whether posting up, popping for threes, or attacking closeouts, he would give the Lakers another dynamic offensive weapon.
Potential Trade Package
Acquiring a player of Porziņģis’ caliber won’t come cheap, especially since the Mavericks would likely demand significant assets in return. The Lakers have already depleted some of their future draft capital in the Dončić trade, but they still have a few pieces that could entice Dallas:
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D’Angelo Russell – A former All-Star who could step in as a primary ball-handler for the Mavericks in the post-Luka era.
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Rui Hachimura – A young, versatile forward with upside who fits a rebuilding timeline.
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Jalen Hood-Schifino or Max Christie – Promising young guards who could develop into solid rotation players.
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Future First-Round Picks – The Lakers may have to include additional picks (possibly protected) to sweeten the deal.
While losing young talent is never ideal, the Lakers are in win-now mode, and pairing Dončić, Davis, and Porziņģis would give them arguably the most formidable Big Three in the league.
How This Trade Impacts the NBA Landscape
If this deal goes through, the ripple effects across the league would be massive. The Western Conference is already stacked, but adding Porziņģis to the Lakers would make them instant title favorites. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors would have to seriously reassess their own rosters to keep up.
For the Mavericks, this would signal a full-scale rebuild. Losing both Dončić and Porziņģis in the same season would be devastating for their short-term prospects, but if they can accumulate young talent and draft picks, they could position themselves for future success.
Potential Risks for the Lakers
Of course, no blockbuster trade comes without risks. Porziņģis has a lengthy injury history, and committing nearly $23 million to him could backfire if he can’t stay on the court. Additionally, integrating three high-usage stars (Dončić, Davis, and Porziņģis) would require careful roster construction to ensure proper spacing and chemistry.
However, the Lakers have shown time and again that they are willing to take big swings. If Porziņģis stays healthy, this move could secure their place as the team to beat for years to come.
