NBA fans were shocked when the Los Angeles Lakers traded Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić, but the reality of the Lakers’ frontcourt issues took longer to become clear. Initially, the team seemed ready to address their big man shortage by targeting Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, but that move fell apart, leaving the Lakers with limited options at the position. This weakness was clearly exposed during their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
One notable solution being considered is acquiring Timberwolves All-Star Rudy Gobert, the very player who caused major problems for the Lakers in that playoff matchup.
Potential Trade Scenario Involving Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert struggled in the early games of the playoff series against Los Angeles but broke out in Game 5 with a dominant performance of 27 points and 24 rebounds on an impressive 80 percent shooting clip. This standout game not only eliminated the Lakers from the playoffs but also amplified concerns about their interior defense and rebounding.
Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints recently outlined a blockbuster trade proposal between the Lakers and Timberwolves. In this scenario, the Lakers would receive Gobert and young player Josh Minott, while Minnesota would get guard Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber.
Doing business with the team that just bested them in the playoffs wouldn’t be easy for the Lakers,
Bassett wrote.
But there might not be a better center option available, and LA needs to maximize LeBron James’ time in the league alongside Dončić before he retires.
—Bailey Bassett, ClutchPoints writer
Gobert recently signed a lucrative three-year, $109 million contract extension with Minnesota, making the fit complicated for Los Angeles. Given that LeBron James is expected to retire within the next couple of seasons, the Lakers could be stuck with an aging and expensive Gobert well into the late 2020s.
Significance of Gobert’s Contract and On-Court Performance
While Gobert’s long-term contract raises concerns for building a team around Luka Dončić, his short-term benefits are clear. Last season, Gobert averaged 12 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game on a highly efficient 66.9 percent shooting in 72 appearances. Despite limitations in offensive versatility, his ability to dominate the paint was on full display during the playoff series.
Sacrificing Reaves for this role would be a tough pill for the Lakers to swallow. After all, the former undrafted guard broke out to the way of 20.2 points per game this past season. Reaves is arguably a better player than Gobert at this point, and he is certainly on a better trajectory. LA might just be desperate enough to consider this trade, though,
Bassett concluded. —Bailey Bassett, ClutchPoints writer
Gobert’s inability to stretch the floor or contribute significantly on offense generally limits his appeal in today’s NBA. However, the fact that he managed more than 20 points and 20 rebounds against the Lakers highlights the severity of their frontcourt issues and the pressing need for a consistent and reliable big man.
Outlook for the Lakers’ Frontcourt and Roster Decisions
The Anthony Davis Lakers trade impact and frontcourt crisis have pushed Los Angeles to reconsider their roster strategy, particularly with the goal of supporting LeBron James and integrating Dončić effectively. Bringing in Gobert could shore up defensive and rebounding weaknesses in the short term, although it may pose salary cap and roster flexibility challenges moving forward. As the Lakers evaluate their frontcourt options, their next moves could significantly influence their competitiveness in upcoming seasons.