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This article was researched and coauthored by Janai Williams.
After several disappointing seasons, the 2025-26 postseason marked a potential turning point for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team finished fourth in the Western Conference and made its deepest playoff push in years before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Luka Doncic now serving as the franchise cornerstone and getting huge help from LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the Lakers are working to capitalize on the current momentum while building for the future, in hopes of returning LA to its glory days.
Apr 4, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) warms-up before the start of the game against the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
One player who could potentially check both boxes: Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware.
As trade speculation continues over a potential deal that would send Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested the Lakers should keep tabs on Ware’s status and, if possible, pursue the young center.
During “The Hoop Collective” podcast, Windhorst said, “There would be quite a few teams interested in Kel’el Ware if he got shipped to Milwaukee and they were willing to flip him. If I were the Lakers and Kel’el got shipped to Milwaukee, I’d be on the phone because Kel’el Ware’s package of talent is not that different from Dereck Lively.”
Ware’s improvement during the 2025-26 season cemented him as one of the more promising young bigs in the league. At only 22 years old, Ware averaged 11.1 points and nine rebounds per game while shooting 53% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range.
At 7 feet tall, Ware’s combination of size, blocking and shooting could be a perfect fit for playmakers such as Doncic and Reaves, while also giving the Lakers a threat in pick-and-roll situations.
Ware’s age also aligns with the Lakers’ long-term plans. While James continues to perform at a high level, there are rumors that this upcoming season — if he chooses to play a record 24th year — will likely be his last, and the organization has consistently tried to build around younger talent. Ware could provide the Lakers with frontcourt security for years to come.
Whether Ware becomes available remains uncertain, but if the opportunity arises, acquiring the energetic center could be a massive asset for the Lakers.
The post Lakers Linked to Energetic Big Man by NBA Insider appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
After several disappointing seasons, the 2025-26 postseason marked a potential turning point for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team finished fourth in the Western Conference and made its deepest playoff push in years before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Luka Doncic now serving as the franchise cornerstone and getting huge help from LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the Lakers are working to capitalize on the current momentum while building for the future, in hopes of returning LA to its glory days.
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Apr 4, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) warms-up before the start of the game against the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
One player who could potentially check both boxes: Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware.
As trade speculation continues over a potential deal that would send Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested the Lakers should keep tabs on Ware’s status and, if possible, pursue the young center.
During “The Hoop Collective” podcast, Windhorst said, “There would be quite a few teams interested in Kel’el Ware if he got shipped to Milwaukee and they were willing to flip him. If I were the Lakers and Kel’el got shipped to Milwaukee, I’d be on the phone because Kel’el Ware’s package of talent is not that different from Dereck Lively.”
What would Kel’el Ware bring to the Lakers?
Ware’s improvement during the 2025-26 season cemented him as one of the more promising young bigs in the league. At only 22 years old, Ware averaged 11.1 points and nine rebounds per game while shooting 53% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range.
At 7 feet tall, Ware’s combination of size, blocking and shooting could be a perfect fit for playmakers such as Doncic and Reaves, while also giving the Lakers a threat in pick-and-roll situations.
Ware’s age also aligns with the Lakers’ long-term plans. While James continues to perform at a high level, there are rumors that this upcoming season — if he chooses to play a record 24th year — will likely be his last, and the organization has consistently tried to build around younger talent. Ware could provide the Lakers with frontcourt security for years to come.
Whether Ware becomes available remains uncertain, but if the opportunity arises, acquiring the energetic center could be a massive asset for the Lakers.
The post Lakers Linked to Energetic Big Man by NBA Insider appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
