Despite adding Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart all within the last year, the Los Angeles Lakers are not done building.
As the Dallas Mavericks proved, the best way to maximize Doncic is to surround him with shooters and defenders. The Lakers had a great one in Dorian Finney-Smith, but he walked in free agency. Rui Hachimura is solid, although the Lakers have been linked to Andrew Wiggins.
If a deal with the Miami Heat doesn’t materialize, the Lakers may have to rethink their options. In an effort to get the most out of Doncic, they could infuriate LeBron James.
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 11: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on December 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers Could Target Isaiah Stewart
In an effort to bolster their frontcourt, the Lakers could set their sights on Isaiah Stewart. The center is coming off his least productive season with the Detroit Pistons, in large part thanks to JB Bickerstaff pushing him out of the rotation. As a result, he has been included in trade speculation.
Stewart is best known for chasing James around the court in November 2021. James bumped Stewart with an elbow, and as blood dripped from his face, he went wild on “The King.”
Suffice it to say, Stewart and James are yet to bury the hatchet. However, Stewart is a high-level rim protector and backup center, providing some relief behind Ayton, who is not known for being reliable.
In an effort to bolster the lineup long-term around Doncic, the Pistons could send Stewart to the Lakers, along with a 2027 second-round pick, for Hachimura.
Hachimura is a better player than Stewart, but he only has one season left on his contract. Stewart, meanwhile, is signed to a team-friendly contract through 2027-28, with a team option for the final year.
If the Lakers are worried that Hachimura will walk in free agency, adding Stewart would provide some stability.
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 21: Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons is restrained as he goes after LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
What Stewart Would Bring to Los Angeles Lakers
Last season, Stewart averaged six points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while playing 19.9 minutes per game. His career-best numbers are a more impressive 11.3 points and 8.7 rebounds.
He is not as good a shooter as Hachimura. He still makes 34.5% of his 3s, which is solid for a bruising center. His biggest strength is his rim deterrence and shot-blocking. As they learn that Ayton is far from an elite defender, they will value that.
In the NBA, the average field goal percentage within eight feet of the basket is about 60%. Last season, Stewart held his man to 52.3% in that zone. Well-known defenders Victor Wembanyama (57.5%) and Rudy Gobert (55.1%) failed to even match that number.
James might not eagerly sign off on bringing Stewart to Hollywood. If it gave the Lakers some stability in a post-Hachimura world, however, they might not have a choice but to target “Beef Stew.
Los Angeles Lakers Mock Trade Would Infuriate LeBron James