At the 2024-25 deadline, the Lakers acquired Dallas’ Luka Donsic through trade. It wasn’t the only move that Los Angeles tried to make. They had signed a deal to acquire Mark Williams from Charlotte.
The trade was in place but fell after the Lakers failed Williams’s body. There were no big guys in Los Angeles who could play quality minutes. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the Lakers called the Hawks for Onica Oconwoo at the trade deadline. McMenamin believes Okongwu is the Lakers’ top trade candidate this offseason.
Will the Lakers trade Onica Okonwu this offseason?
Onyeka Okongwu seems like a player #Lakers I was interested in returning to the transaction deadline. https://t.co/l4nhoq5t9j
– Lakersnation (@lakersnation) May 22, 2025
On the sixth pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Hawks chose Onyeka Okongwu from USC. The 2024-25 season was its fifth season against Atlanta. Okongwu has played in 307 games for the Hawks and has a 76 start. His 40 start last season was the best he had at the 24-year-old’s career. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the Lakers called the Hawks for Onikao Konwu at this year’s trade deadline.
McMenamin believes Okongwu is the Lakers’ top trade contender this offseason. Okongwu is a versatile player on the 6-foot-8-pound court. He can defend multiple positions and become a threat near the rim. Okongwu is not the size of a traditional big name, but he offers the Lakers the opportunity to play five.
The Lakers will make several calls around the league to find new centers this offseason. Los Angeles struggled after breaking up with Anthony Davis. A new center will be needed between 2025 and 26. With limited financial resources, getting players in trade is the Lakers’ best option. This will be a top priority for general manager Rob Perinka this offseason.
