The Los Angeles Lakers are at a pivotal moment in their roster construction.
With LeBron James entering his 23rd season and Luka Dončić as the franchise’s new centerpiece, the Lakers are aggressively seeking a center to solidify their frontcourt.
One intriguing name has surfaced as a potential trade target, with CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn outlining the pros and cons concerning a high-upside big man from the Boston Celtics who could transform the Lakers’ lineup.
“Pros: An elite shot-making center," Quinn wrote.
"He can hang around the perimeter and make 3s, but if you try to switch against him, he's going to punish smaller defenders in both the mid-range and near the basket. He gets to the line and makes his free throws at an elite rate. Has a great catch radius with his long arms, which also makes him a great rim protector. On an expiring contract, so he won't impede the 2026 cap space plans."
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
"Cons: The Lakers can't save the Celtics money, and you should always be skeptical that Boston is willing to deal with the Lakers. His medical history is just too scary to ignore. He can't be trusted. He and Dončić played together in Dallas and it didn't go especially well. He doesn't move very well at this point either, and he'd obviously be playing with far less defensive support than he had on a great Celtics team.”
The player in question is Kristaps Porzingis.
The 7-foot-2 Latvian averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks last season, shooting an impressive 41.2 percent from three-point range.
Porzingis’ expiring $30.7 million contract aligns with the Lakers’ long-term cap flexibility, making him an attractive short-term gamble for a title push alongside James and Dončić.
However, Porzingis’ injury history, including a virus that hampered his 2025 postseason (7.7 points on 31.6 percent shooting in seven playoff games), raises concerns about his reliability.
As Quinn noted, Porzingis's prior stint with Dončić in Dallas from 2019 to 2022 was underwhelming, with the duo failing to mesh effectively.
With the Celtics facing a payroll crunch and Porzingis on an expiring deal, the Lakers have an opportunity to make a bold move.
More NBA: Celtics predicted to cut ties with $285.4 million star in 3-team trade