As the Los Angeles Lakers get ready to fully embrace the offseason, the roster has one big glaring need.
This would be a center, and every other team in the NBA knows this.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka will need to get clever in adding talent to this roster, specifically in upgrading the frontcourt.
Los Angeles has been linked with all sorts of players already, but they are now being listed as a potential landing spot for an All-Star big.
According to NBA writer Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers is a dream trade target for the Lakers.
Allen could check a lot of boxes for the Lakers and would complement star guard Luka Doncic very well. But what the Lakers could offer Cleveland would remain to be seen due to their limited tradeable assets.
However, Cleveland will be entering an interesting offseason after an early playoff exit.
There have already been reports coming out about Allen potentially being available on the trade market.
“I think the two untouchables are Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley,” Cavs insider Chris Fedor said.
“I have been getting the sense that the Cavs would be more willing to entertain and at least consider possibilities for Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland than they have in the past.”
Allen averaged 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game.
The big man would be perfect playing with Doncic and LeBron James, giving them a rim-running, lob-threat on offense.
Defensively, Allen could hold his own and give Los Angeles a solid rebounder as well. The Lakers could make a push to land Allen, and if they were to agree on a deal, it could make all the difference in how next season plays out.