Lakers predicted to acquire 'perfect' $90 million former All-Star via trade

The Los Angeles Lakers have two main frontcourt trade options to consider. 

The Lakers could keep their frontcourt unit as is and lean on Deandre Ayton moving forward, or acquire a center that would be a better fit alongside Luka Doncic. 

Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts believes the franchise should choose the latter and trade for a ‘perfect’ 6-foot-9 center.

“Jarrett Allen is the perfect center to pair with Luka Doncic,” Watts wrote Tuesday. “Luka made his wish clear the moment he arrived in Los Angeles. He wants a big man to be his pick-and-roll partner. 

“Fans know Doncic is one of the best creators in the world, and he needs someone to set screens to be at his best. Allen operates as a roll man on 2.8 possessions per game, which is the eighth-most in the NBA.”

“His team scores 1.1 points per possession on those looks, which is in the top 50% of the league. Those numbers would likely improve with Luka feeding him the ball.”

“The Lakers rank 25th in defensive rating and desperately need someone to anchor their unit. The opposition is shooting just 61.1 percent against Allen in the restricted area.”

According to the Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Cavaliers are exploring trades for Allen, giving the Lakers a last-second opportunity to snag him before Thursday’s deadline. 

Unlike DeAndre Ayton, Allen’s motor isn’t an issue, as the Texas product enjoys running the floor hard, showing his hands to give his teammates a clear target, rolling at full speed in pick-and-roll scenarios, and operating like an Energizer Bunny as an interior defender. 

Allen is averaging 14.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game with the Cavaliers this season, shooting 60.5% from the field in 39 outings. As Watts alluded to, Allen’s skill set would mesh well alongside Doncic in Los Angeles.  

If the Lakers want to wait until the offseason to make any moves, though, the 17-time NBA champions won't aggressively pursue the Cavaliers' valuable 27-year-old center between now and 3 p.m. on Thursday.

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