NBA Rumors: The player that Los Angeles Lakers want to form a Big 3 with Luka Doncic and LeBron James

The transfer of Luka Doncic gave Los Angeles Lakers an elite playmaker and scorer, but it also left a gap in their interior defense and scoring. As Caleb Hightower from Sporting News pointed out in his original report, the franchise's low-post play has suffered since Shams Charania of ESPN announced the trade that shook the NBA on February 2 involving the Californians and the Dallas Mavericks. The Los Angeles team needs a more reliable presence to compete for a championship.

This is where Kristaps Porzingis comes in. Currently with the Boston Celtics, he has had a career with ups and downs due to injuries but remains a high-impact player when healthy. There are several reasons why he could be an ideal target for Los Angeles. The first is his versatile scoring ability. He stretches the floor with elite three-point shooting for a big man.

With his great height and wingspan, he is one of the best rim protectors in the league, averaging 1.6 blocks per game this season. Additionally, he is also a threat in the Pick-and-Roll. He can play multiple roles in screen situations, fitting perfectly with Doncic and LeBron James.

Porzingis is set to earn 30 million dollars next season, and recent reports suggest that Boston might be open to trading him. Los Angeles Lakers would likely need a multi-team deal to make the finances work, but there is a possibility. The Lakers would acquire Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics would receive future draft picks and expiring contracts (through a third team), and that third team would take care of Los Angeles's salary cap filler.

Kristaps Porzingis' Injury Concerns

Kristaps Porzingis has faced injury troubles, including a calf strain and a torn meniscus last postseason. However, when healthy, he has made a difference for Boston.

Porzingis suffered a calf injury and a torn meniscus last season, limiting him to just seven postseason games with the Celtics. Once cleared to play, the versatile center had a significant interior impact on Joe Mazzulla's team. He could be the missing piece to get the Lakers back into championship contention if they believe he can stay healthy.

The Lakers have a clear need for frontcourt help, and Porzingis offers the perfect mix of shooting, defense, and playoff experience. While a trade won't be easy to pull off, his skill set makes him an ideal target for a team looking to maximize LeBron's remaining years and build around Doncic. If Rob Pelinka and the front office can make this move happen, the Lakers could quickly re-establish themselves as championship favorites.

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