NBA Trade Idea Sends Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis to Lakers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 8:42 PM ET

The Boston Celtics need to make trades this offseason to avoid having the most expensive roster in the NBA next season.

Meanwhile, the Lakers need a center alongside All-Stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

With these two things in mind, Brian Robb of MassLive proposed that the Celtics trade Kristaps Porzingis to the Lakers this offseason for Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Shake Milton.

Porzingis and Doncic were teammates on the Dallas Mavericks.

"The Lakers need a true center, but would they be open to a Doncic/Porzingis reunion after the pairing flamed out a few years ago in Dallas? Adding James to the equation could help this time around but the Lakers may be looking for someone more durable in the center spot at this price tag," Robb wrote.

"Boston is simply turning Porzingis’ salary into cheaper more easily movable options in this type of deal with Vincent and Kleber on expiring deals. If the Lakers are looking for a defensive-minded center, they probably search elsewhere."

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, NBA execs believe the Celtics will explore the trade market for Porzingis this offseason.

Porzingis will make $30.7 million next season in the final year of his contract.

After winning the championship last season against Dallas in five games, Boston lost to the New York Knicks in the second round of this year’s playoffs in six games. Jayson Tatum could miss all of next season recovering from his right Achilles tendon tear.

Meanwhile, the Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round in five games despite having James and Doncic and being the third seed in the West.

Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists this season while shooting 48.3% from the field, 41.2% from 3 and 80.9% from the foul line.

His numbers dropped to 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.7 assists in the 2025 playoffs due to an illness.

Porzingis, 29, has career averages of 19.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists with the Knicks, Mavericks, Washington Wizards and Celtics.

It will be fascinating to see where KP is playing next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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