Report: Lakers Tried To Trade For Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu Before Failed Mark Williams Deal

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers tried to acquire Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu before the failed Mark Williams deal with the Charlotte Hornets. 

The Hawks kept Okongwu, who took Clint Capela‘s starting spot. The Lakers acquired Williams from the Hornets, but the deal was rescinded after Williams failed his physical with Los Angeles. 

The Lakers desperately need a big man after trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the Luka Doncic deal. Rob Pelinka told local reporters during his end-of-the-season press conference that he will attempt to acquire a center this summer. 

“We know this offseason, one of our primary goals is going to be to add size in our frontcourt at the center position,” Pelinka said. “This roster needs more size and needs a center. That’s a very clear and obvious by-product of trading potentially the best big in the league to Dallas to get a point guard. Of course, that’s going to open up a huge hole.

“The trade deadline and the moments up to it don’t allow you the requisite time to explore every single unturned stone to add a big to our roster. We just didn’t have the time after the Luka trade. But now we do.”