Lakers

Lakers Asked About Onyeka Okongwu At The Trade Deadline

Published

2 months ago

May 23, 2025

Joshua

Lakers Asked About Onyeka Okongwu At The Trade Deadline

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Los Angeles Lakers inquired on Atlanta Hawks starting center Onyeka Okongwu during the trade deadline.

Rob Pelinka gave a list of names of centers to Luka Doncic, this included Okongwu and Mark Williams. Doncic was intrigued about Atlanta’s young center, which prompted the Lakers to make a call to the Hawks to ask about a potential trade.

This was before agreeing, and then rescinding, the Mark Williams trade featuring the Charlotte Hornets.

“Before the Mark Williams trade, and I can’t tell you all the names on that list that Rob Pelinka presented to Luka, [but] I do know that the Lakers made a call to the Hawks around the trade deadline about Okongwu,” said Dave McMenamin on the Straight Fire podcast with Jason McIntyre.

With Clint Capela expected to no longer be with the franchise heading forward, this will solidify the 24-year-old’s role as their permanent starting center. His contract runs through the 2027-28 season.

Last season, Okongwu averaged 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He had a career-high in minutes, points, rebounds, and assists. He is seen as a cornerstone piece of the Hawks.

Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez Decide Against Lakers Due To LeBron James Uncertainty

Published

2 weeks ago

July 12, 2025

Joshua

According to multiple reports, spearheaded by ESPN, Brook Lopez did have his sights set on signing with the Los Angeles Lakers but pivoted due to the uncertainty of LeBron James’ future with the Lakers.

The Los Angeles Clippers swooped in and secured him for their center room. With him not wanting to be apart of the current LeBron drama in L.A., Lopez passed up being a starter to now being the backup to Ivica Zubac.

This offseason saw Deandre Ayton be bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers and signed by the Lakers, which came days after the Lopez news.

Jaxson Hayes

Jaxson Hayes Gets No-Trade Clause With Lakers

Published

3 weeks ago

July 4, 2025

Joshua

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Lakers have made the decision to re-sign Jaxson Hayes for another season. The official agreement is a one-year deal.

This comes immediately after signing newly bought out free agent Deandre Ayton to a two-year contract. Los Angeles will have Hayes backup Ayton.

This signing wasn’t making headlines until it was discovered the 25-year-old is getting a no-trade clause. This isn’t parody, as he is literally getting a no-trade clause for this upcoming season.

How is this so? Well, per Trevor Lane, Hayes is able to get a de facto no-trade clause due to signing with the Lakers for his third year, this secures his Bird rights for Los Angeles. With his Bird rights being secured, Hayes now has the power to waive any potential trade he does not want to be apart of.

He will be an exclusive group of LeBron James and Bradley Beal for this upcoming season.

Last season, Hayes averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and one assist per game in 56 appearances.

DeAndre Ayton

Deandre Ayton Signs $16.6 Million Deal With Lakers

Published

3 weeks ago

July 3, 2025

Joshua

Deandre Ayton Signs $16.6 Million Deal With Lakers

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, after Deandre Ayton has cleared waivers Wednesday afternoon, the former number one overall pick has signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The official terms of the deal is $16.6 million over two years, his starting salary is $8.1 million, and he has a player option attached to the deal for the second year.

Officially, he will be making $34 million this upcoming season; this is due to the buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers and him getting $24 million from the team.

Los Angeles has been looking for an upgrade at center since last season’s trade deadline, as they finally found the player that fits both Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

Doncic is reportedly “excited” to be playing with Ayton.

Per Shams, multiple teams like the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers were interested in signing the 26-year-old.

Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.