Although nothing ever materialized, the Lakers allegedly spoke to the Hawks about Onyeka Okongwu while searching for a big last year.
The Lakers and the search for their next big man is a never-ending story.
President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka has stated he will explore “every single unturned stone” to add a center to this Lakers roster in the offseason. The search is very much on as NBA Free Agency begins on June 30, but this is not an odyssey that is only just beginning.
According to a recent article by Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Lakers asked about Onyeka Okongwu last season. McMenamin also says the Lakers have had internal conversations regarding other bigs around the league.
The Lakers called the Atlanta Hawks about their 6-10, athletic big man Onyeka Okongwu last season, sources told ESPN. Other centers under contract that the Lakers have mulled internally since last season include Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton and Portland’s Robert Williams III, sources told ESPN.
Okongwu is not a name we’ve heard connected with the Lakers before, but his coming to Los Angeles would make a lot of sense. And those two teams discussing deals also would have made sense.
Considering how extensively trade discussions were for Dejounte Murray, Okongwu’s name also likely came up. Even if the Lakers and Hawks never agreed to a deal — thanks, D’Angelo Russell — Okongwu has likely been someone they have had an eye on for some time and likely has been monitoring.
He is coming off a career-best 13.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this past season and, at age 24, he is about to enter the prime of his career. Okongwu is also on a team-friendly deal. He’ll earn $15 million next season and is signed for another three years before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2028.
Of course, it takes two to tango in trades and regardless of what talks occurred, nothing ultimately came of it.
Still, it’s an example of the Lakers making an effort to acquire a player they need, and that’s the first step to actually getting it done.
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