The Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt has come a long way since the midway point of the 2024-25 season.
It’s no secret that Los Angeles sacrificed Anthony Davis in a historic trade for Luka Doncic, causing them to scramble to locate a solid replacement before the postseason.
After failing to close the deal on Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, the Lakers signed free agent big man Alex Len to pair with Jaxson Hayes in the low post.
Surprisingly, JJ Redick benched both contributors in the playoffs and rolled with a small ball lineup (which spelled doom during their five game first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves).
Once the offseason arrived, the Lakers didn’t waste time beefing up their low post production, signing Deandre Ayton on July. 6.
However, according to Heavy’s Jonah Kubicek, the organization could take things a step further by trading a 6-foot-8 forward to the Pistons for a former first-round pick.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“In an effort to bolster their frontcourt, the Lakers could set their sights on Isaiah Stewart,” Kubicek wrote Friday. “The center is coming off his least productive season with the Detroit Pistons, in large part thanks to JB Bickerstaff pushing him out of the rotation.”
“As a result, he has been included in trade speculation. In an effort to bolster the lineup long-term around Doncic, the Pistons could send Stewart to the Lakers, along with a 2027 second-round pick, for (Rui) Hachimura.”
Stewart and LeBron James don’t have the best history in the big leagues. During a 2021-22 season matchup between the Pistons and the Lakers, the two forwards found themselves in a scuffle after a routine free throw.
After James elbowed Stewart while attempting to position himself for a potential defensive rebound, the Washington product began chasing him around the hardwood with blood running down his face.
Considering the incident occurred four years ago, though, it should be feasible for both parties to officially move past it and focus on what’s ahead.
Stewart’s fearless two-way approach and willingness to embrace physicality in the paint would make him an intriguing fit with the Lakers.
Stewart averaged 6.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game with the Pistons last season, shooting 55.9% from the field in 72 contests.
Providing Luka Doncic with another lob threat who can flourish as a defensive enforcer is never a bad idea, if it requires Los Angeles to part with Hachimura after 2.5 seasons.
More NBA: Warriors cut ties with 6-foot-8 rookie forward five hours after signing him