Lakers rumor involving Mavericks is great news for Luka Doncic

It’s only a matter of time before the Los Angeles Lakers begin making offseason moves that will prove to Luka Doncic they’re serious about competing for championships.

Although the Lakers weren’t at full strength against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals (Doncic was ruled out for the series with a hamstring injury), it was apparent that the franchise has far too many holes on its roster to be taken seriously as a contender.

Fortunately for Doncic and the Lakers, a recent rumor involving the Dallas Mavericks indicates that Los Angeles is in for a productive summer.

"There is a desire for better center play (upgrading from Deandre Ayton), true lob threats who mimic the skills of (Mavericks centers) Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II (with cleaner injury histories)," The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Sam Amick reported Tuesday.

The frontcourt free-agent/trade market will offer the Lakers plenty of opportunities to make a splash. Jarrett Allen (Cleveland Cavaliers), Isaiah Hartenstein (Oklahoma City Thunder), Yves Missi (New Orleans Pelicans), Mitchell Robinson (New York Knicks), and Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons) are just a few center options the Lakers could explore this offseason. 

At the end of the day, the Lakers want to replicate the pick-and-roll chemistry Doncic shared with Gafford and Lively during the 2024 run to the NBA Finals. 

If they succeed in doing so, they’ll inch a step closer to becoming a more complete ball club.

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