By acquiring Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks in February, the Los Angeles Lakers made perhaps the most significant trade in their franchise’s history, signaling their commitment to building around the 25-year-old Slovenian superstar. Dončić, under contract for $43 million this season and $45.9 million in 2025-26, has a player option for the 2026-27 season, potentially making him an unrestricted free agent by the summer of 2026 if no extension is reached. Given his youth, talent, and marketability, the Lakers are expected to make Dončić the centerpiece of their franchise for years, especially as LeBron James transitions out of his role as the team’s focal point.
To maximize their championship window with Dončić, the Lakers must surround him with complementary talent, particularly in the frontcourt. Historically, Dončić has thrived in two-man game scenarios with skilled big men who can roll to the basket or stretch the floor. As such, identifying and acquiring versatile big men will be a priority for Los Angeles as they aim to add to their 17 NBA championships and reclaim dominance in the league.
Nikola Vučević
Nikola Vučević has been rumored to leave Chicago for a while but survived another trade deadline. The Bulls haven’t made any right moves in the past seasons and are currently at the beginning of another rebuild. It’s something bettors have noticed, just as much as those involved with the franchise will have recognized. Most of the best US betting sites at GameZinger consider the Bulls among the teams least favored to perform well after the deadline. We can’t assume what Chicago’s front office will do next, but the player would likely prefer to play for a contender, and the Lakers may make an interesting proposition with Dončić on their team.
If the Lakers manage to pull out a deal for the Montenegrin center, we’ll get a chance to see two players from the Balkans on the same team again. Luka and Nikola speak Serbian and will probably be a match off the court, which may reflect their in-game performances. When it comes to spacing, we’re not sure what to expect. Vučević can score in and outside the paint but isn’t a threat above the rim. Since we’ve seen Luka get the most out of these players, maybe pairing Vooch with a high-flying center might be the perfect combination.
Myles Turner
Myles Turner keeps packing his bags in February but never catches a flight come the trade deadline. He’s been rumored to join the Lakers multiple times, yet the trade hasn’t been made. Now that Dončić is wearing purple and gold, we’ve reached the perfect time for a move for Turner. Turner has shown steady performances in Indiana but never reached his full potential. Maybe playing with such a dominant playmaker will bring out the best Myles Turner we’ve seen. On the other hand, Dončić and Porzingis weren’t successful in their attempts at a championship.
Like Turner, Porzingis is also a stretch big man who can finish at the rim but doesn’t build his game around catching alley-oops and getting passes off the pick-and-roll. We might see Luka playing with another unicorn if Turner ever leaves Indiana.
Nic Claxton
We’ve mentioned that Luka likes playing with centers who prefer receiving lobs after setting a pick, and Nic Claxton is one of the best at this in the league. Claxton has proved that he can help his team on both ends of the court, and that seems like the perfect match for Luka. The Nets’ center protects the paint with his length and could be the ideal recipient for Dončić’s magical passes.
Luka Magic will need someone to make highlights with, and who better than someone with such attributes as Claxton? Unfortunately, Claxton recently signed a deal with the Nets and won’t be a free agent until 2028. Still, we’ve seen that anyone can be traded anytime so that this move wouldn’t be such breaking news. We’ll see what the Lakers’ front office does at the end of the season and what the team does in this year’s playoffs. For long-term success, they’ll likely need big-man help.
