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.

According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Lakers have no interest in trading Austin Reaves anywhere, unless it means securing a top-tier center to compliment LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Rob Pelinka’s team have been eyeballing Brooklyn Nets’ Nic Claxton and Dallas Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford. Both individuals who can play both sides of the court and become a lob threat, which is a special request from Doncic.

In 2026, Reaves can become an unrestricted free agent, as he’s expected not to sign an extension due to him believing he is worth more than what the Lakers can offer him.

The max extension Los Angeles can give Reaves is a four-year, $89.2 million deal. If he decides to opt out of $53 million player option and seek free agency, then he could command a max deal around $180-$200 million.

It is unclear what one of the best third options in the league is wanting to do, but he is one of the more valuable pieces on Pelinka’s roster. Outside of him, the leader of the front office has Dalton Knecht and the 2031 first-round pick.

If the Lakers feel as though their time with Reaves is coming to an end, then it’s reportedly expected of them to trade him to get that coveted center to boost their odds of winning a championship under Doncic.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, a day before the NBA postseason begins, the Los Angeles Lakers have taken care of business and have signed general manager Rob Pelinka to a new contract extension.

However, beyond just operating the front office, he will assume the role of president of basketball operations. A huge promotion after hiring head coach JJ Redick and landing acclaimed superstar Luka Doncic in the same season.

“For eight seasons, I have relied on Rob’s vision and leadership to do what’s best for the Lakers organization,” said Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss. “I value his partnership and professionalism and believe in his ability to deliver championship-caliber basketball for Los Angeles and Lakers fans everywhere.”  

Pelinka has been with the Los Angeles organization since 2017, the same year they hired Magic Johnson. When Magic left in 2019, Pelinka assumed all responsibility of being the top decision-maker.

At this time, it is unclear how long the extension was signed for.