Lakers offseason trade idea lands history-making $163 million three-time All-Star center

Deandre Ayton’s inspired offensive performance against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night will only further frustrate the Los Angeles Lakers and their fanbase.

Ayton finished the contest with 23 points and 10 rebounds on 76.9% field goal shooting in the Lakers’ 142-130 win, proving that when fully engaged, the former Phoenix Suns big man can be a dominant force in the low post. 

The problem is, Ayton isn’t a shoo-in to bring his A-game every night. Ayton tends to pick and choose when he imposes his will, which isn’t a recipe for success moving forward. 

If the Lakers want to improve their frontcourt stability when the offseason arrives, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale believes Los Angeles should look no further than a history-making 6-foot-9 three-time All-Star center.

“Los Angeles needs massive upgrades on the wings and in the middle,” Favale wrote Wednesday. Given the free-agency pool has more quality center options, the former takes precedence.”

“That is, unless Bam Adebayo proves gettable. The Miami Heat tend to avoid traditional rebuilds, but if they trend toward another empty-handed summer, it might be time to consider moving their defensive anchor as he begins a three-year extension that averages out to over 30% of the salary cap.”

“His mid-range heavy shot diet is cause for pause, but he has the tools to reorient his usage around elite playmakers like Reaves and Luka Doncic.”

There’s a reason why Adebayo was trending on social media on Thursday night. The Kentucky product erupted for 83 points against the Washington Wizards in a 150-129 win (43 field goal attempts and 22 three-point attempts), passing Kobe Bryant on the single-game all-time scoring list (Bryant notched 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006). 

While it’s unlikely Adebayo will ever reach that point total again, it’s remarkable that he was able to achieve that historic feat at least once in his career.

The 28-year-old has been linked to the Lakers before, and with Ayton’s inconsistencies, it’s fair to suggest Los Angeles could use Adebayo’s smooth ball handling for a big man, polished pick-and-roll chops, elite face-up game, and serviceable rim protection in 2026-27 and beyond. 

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