The Luka Doncic–Kristaps Porzingis pairing in Dallas never quite worked the way the Mavericks had hoped. But could a fresh start in Los Angeles lead to a different result? The bigger question might be whether either front office even wants to open that door.
Porzingis has struggled to stay on the floor for most of his career, and this season was no different. He appeared in just 42 games during the regular season and saw limited action in the playoffs, especially in that second-round series against New York.
Still, Porzingis brings the rim protection and interior presence the Lakers have lacked throughout the season. For a team that needs stability, is that a gamble worth making?
If an opportunity presents itself, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report has already mapped out what a Porzingis trade might realistically look like.
Per Bleacher Report:
Kristaps Porziņģis for Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, a 2030 first-round pick swap and a 2032 first-round pick swap
“More to the point, the Los Angeles Lakers just need a real center. Porziņģis provides shot blocking, floor spacing and the occasional post-up. And he’d be a dramatic upgrade over Jaxson Hayes.
For Boston, this one isn’t as much about financial flexibility. Porziņģis’ deal expires after 2025-26, but draft assets are valuable. And Rui Hachimura would give them a slightly younger forward than KP, who could theoretically fit alongside Tatum in positionless forward combinations (assuming the Celtics were to sign him beyond this season).”
