The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024–25 season, marked by high expectations following the acquisition of Luka Dončić, culminated in a disappointing first-round playoff exit. Despite Dončić’s impressive averages of 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game in the postseason, the Lakers were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. The series’ disheartening loss highlighted the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the paint, as they struggled to contain Minnesota’s frontcourt duo of Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, who combined for 52 points in Game 2.

Head coach JJ Redick’s frequent use of small-ball lineups, while effective in bursts, often highlighted the Lakers’ lack of a true interior anchor. One of the most used lineups—featuring Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith—brought pace and floor spacing but struggled to protect the rim against teams with dominant frontcourts. This weakness became evident in the playoffs, particularly against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where the Lakers were repeatedly outmatched in the paint. Jaxson Hayes, the team’s primary center, averaged just 6.0 minutes per game during the postseason, contributing 1.4 points and 3.8 rebounds. His limited role underscored Redick’s strategic pivot away from traditional bigs—a decision that ultimately left L.A. vulnerable inside when it mattered most.

The heavy offensive burden placed on Dončić and James became increasingly apparent as the series progressed. Dončić’s usage rate soared to 32.1%, and he logged an average of 41.6 minutes per game, leading to noticeable declines in his assist (5.8) and rebound (7.0) numbers compared to the regular season . James, at 40 years old, averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in the series but showed signs of fatigue, particularly in the fourth quarters, where his scoring did diminish. The duo’s efforts were insufficient to compensate for the team’s deficiencies in size and defensive versatility, highlighting the pressing need for roster adjustments to address these gaps. It didn’t take long for the trade rumor mill to churn in response to L.A.’s early exit. 

With glaring holes in their interior defense and limited cap flexibility due to the second apron, the front office had no choice but to start exploring creative, high-upside moves. The buzz only got louder when NBA analyst Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report put forth a bold trade scenario that sent shockwaves through both fan bases. “The Los Angeles Lakers just need a real center,” Bailey wrote. “Porziņģis provides shot blocking, floor spacing and the occasional post-up. And he’d be a dramatic upgrade over Jaxson Hayes.”

On paper, Bailey’s logic is hard to argue with. The Lakers’ current rotation has leaned heavily on Hayes—who averaged just 4.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 11.8 minutes per game this season. His defensive rating of 116.3 and lack of offensive gravity often left L.A. compromised on both ends. In contrast, Porziņģis, even in a shortened season, posted 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and shot 37.5% from deep—a rare blend of rim protection and perimeter shooting.

But Bailey wasn’t just looking at the Lakers’ needs. He acknowledged the trade’s appeal from Boston’s side too: “For Boston, this one isn’t as much about financial flexibility. Porziņģis’ deal expires after 2025-26, but draft assets are valuable. And Rui Hachimura would give them a slightly younger forward than KP, who could theoretically fit alongside Tatum in positionless forward combinations (assuming the Celtics were to sign him beyond this season).”

That statement underscores a deeper concern within the Celtics’ camp—managing their looming $500 million payroll. With Tatum’s supermax extension kicking in next season, the front office will have to make tough decisions. Porziņģis, who has played only 99 of a possible 164 games in two seasons due to recurring injuries and a mysterious illness late this year, might be too risky to retain at his current $30.7 million valuation.

Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura (still only 27) provides a more durable and versatile option—averaging 13.1 points on 50.9% shooting this season. His frame and mobility could complement Tatum and Jaylen Brown in more flexible, swappable defensive schemes. Plus, Boston would receive two future first-round pick swaps (2030 and 2032)—golden assets for a team whose future cap sheet is bursting at the seams.

So while the idea of losing Porziņģis may sting, Bailey’s trade pitch isn’t just clickbait—it’s a financial and tactical recalibration for both teams. One prioritizes survival in the second apron era, the other seeks a foundational fix to finally reclaim elusive championship relevance.

This proposal could see both Reaves and KP form a solid core with Luka Doncic and LeBron James. But Reaves’ situation still hangs in the balance, regardless of the trade idea Andy Bailey proposed.

Austin Reaves’s situation at the Lakers still uncertain

AR is just one of the many stars who could be on the move this season. Due to the Lakers being in the second apron, they have to bring in lesser salary than they can let out. It really puts them in a tricky situation. Reaves is currently on a 4-year, $53,827,872 contract, and is reportedly demanding more. That, and many other factors, leads Bill Simmons to believe that AR-15 could be on the move this off-season as well.

“When Reaves gets traded this summer — and he will get traded — the stuff they get back for him is going to make it seem even worse [the Mavericks] didn’t get him in the [Luka Doncic trade],” Simmons said on The Bill Simmons Podcast.

Reaves is also due for a pay raise. But here is where that gets tricky. LA cannot afford to give him with the Broncic pair owed nearly $100 million total in 2025-2026. The good thing is that Austin Reaves will be in demand. It won’t take much to find a suitor for the guard.

Austin Reaves’ likely departure will be a hard pill to swallow for the Showtime fans. The player adored in the City of Angels, and they’d be willing to give up their left arm to keep him at the Lakers. But if Kristaps Porzingis ends up coming for Hachimura and Kleber, they won’t have to worry at all. Does this deal seem too good to be true?