Lakers predicted to trade for $90M All-Star rim protector as perfect Luka Doncic lob partner originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Last year around this time, the Los Angeles Lakers were in a playoff series with the Minnesota Timberwolves that ultimately ended their season. Now, they find themselves up two games on the Houston Rockets. Around this same time last year, the front office also met with Luka Dončić, and he made it clear he wants to win now.

“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.

Dončić has quickly built chemistry with his teammates. Perhaps no one on the roster has developed a stronger on-court connection with him than big man Jaxson Hayes.

“Hayes is originally from Oklahoma, and given the talent on the Team USA, he was unlikely to ever get a chance to compete at the Olympic level, making this an incredible opportunity. From a bigger picture perspective, Hayes getting his Slovenian passport to team up with Luka may have just secured his Lakers future,” Lake Show Life’s Chris Lambert wrote.

While Hayes provides the type of lob threat Dončić typically thrives with, he is not a full-time starting option and is better suited as a role player. If the right opportunity arises, the Lakers could explore a move for Jarrett Allen.

“As for potential targets at the center position, the Lakers should keep an eye on how the Cleveland Cavaliers do in the postseason. If Cleveland bows out early, it may be looking to completely re-tool this summer, which could result in Jarrett Allen becoming available. Allen's $28 million owed in 2026-27 isn't a small figure, but he's a good enough center to convince the Lakers' front office that sacrificing much of their newfound cap flexibility to lock up Allen's services through 2028-29 would be worthwhile. Allen would be an epic lob partner for Doncic,” Lake Show Life’s Colin Keane wrote.

Allen is exactly the type of big man the Lakers need alongside Dončić. Pairing Hayes and Allen would give Los Angeles flexibility, as either player could thrive in the pick-and-roll when sharing the floor with Dončić.

The Lakers have the financial flexibility to make a move like this happen, even with Allen’s $90 million contract. Dončić has yet to find a true lob partner in Los Angeles like he had in Dallas, but Allen would come very close to filling that role.

More NBA news:

1. Lakers' LeBron James gives ultimate nod of approval for re-signing $10.5M former DPOY

2. Lakers' $30M diamond in the rough expected to re-sign after committing to summer with Luka Doncic

3. Warriors predicted to replace Steve Kerr with fiery NCAA champion, SEC Coach of the Year

4. Lakers reportedly in danger of losing $11M sniper in free agency if playoff breakout continues