Bill Simmons imagines Hawks dealing with previous lottery -choices to strengthen Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers that deal with Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic Leaves a defensive void in the guard schedule. However, Bill Simmons sees Lakers and Atlanta Hawks make a deal around the starting center, Onyeka Okongwu. He explained more On his podcast about what was going to happen.

“Hawk’s wish to trade (Onyeka) Okongwu for the 2031 election,” Simmons said. “Would you put Austin Reaves on the table, what could you get for him? You need him as your 6th man, damage protection for one of these guys, someone who is 25 minutes a game. “

“You just have these two freaky physical, 6’8, 6’9 guys who don’t have a position. They both have crazy hangers IQs and then if you can put the right team around them. They get closer to having, except that they have no edge protection at all. Could they go, Nick Claxton was jerked today, could they take a fly on Robert Williams? Could they get Clint Capella?

Simmons says Lakers needs edge protection. Now with both LeBron James and Luka Doncic together, the defensive players are missing to join them. Lakers can use the 2031 election in a trade for Okongwu as they didn’t have to tackle it in the Doncic trade.

Bill Simmons sees a world where lakers are trading for onyeka okongwu

Since he became the starting center, he has made some huge progress. However, the talent and the potential have always been there. For example, Okongwu became the first hawks -player To place a 20-point and 20-bound double-double from the bench in a game.

His athletics, youth and versatility of the position could make him a primary player. He does not fully repeat Davis’ production, but it is a good start. His edge protection is one that Lakers has missed, even with Davis on the team. Plus, the current Hawks Center has some ties to Los Angeles.

He played on the USC, Was appointed to Mr. Basketball in 2018 and 2019. In addition, he was a teammate of the Ball Brothers at Chino Hills High School. Either way, he continues to trend in a positive direction. Plus, the Doncic trade may not be the only trait that Lakers makes.

Trade for Okongwu can mean they are preparing for the next era. After all, Doncic played with a flurry of edge protectors and interior presence. Okongwu would be a player that Doncic would be used to. At the end of the day, it is in Lakers’ court if they wish to get an appointment. They only have until Thursday, so something had to happen soon.