The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing a massive move to address their need for a dominant center, and a recent mock trade might give them just that. According to Michael Pina of The Ringer, the Lakers could send a hefty package to the Cleveland Cavaliers for former All-Star Jarrett Allen, adding another elite defender alongside Anthony Davis.
In the proposed deal, the Lakers would ship D’Angelo Russell, Christian Wood, two future first-round picks, and either Rui Hachimura or Dalton Knecht to Cleveland in exchange for Allen. The trade would significantly bolster the Lakers’ defense, with Pina explaining that adding a mobile big like Allen could give the team one of the most intimidating defenses in the Western Conference.
“Spacing issues aside, if the Lakers do this, they would immediately boast one of the two or three most menacing defenses in the Western Conference,” Pina wrote, highlighting Allen’s ability to switch on the perimeter and contest shots at the rim.
Allen’s impressive rim protection, averaging 1.3 blocks per game, makes him a perfect complement to Davis. He offers not just defense but reliable offense, contributing around 16 points per game with a solid post game and the ability to hit perimeter shots. With Davis preferring to play power forward, Allen’s presence in the paint would relieve some pressure and allow the Lakers to dominate both ends of the floor.
While the price is steep, with Russell, Wood, and future picks included, this deal could push the Lakers over the championship hump. A starting lineup of Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Davis, and Allen would give the Lakers one of the most formidable rosters in the league, with a solid bench to back them up.
Will the Lakers gamble on this massive deal to secure their future? Only time will tell.
