The Los Angeles Lakers have officially entered the Luka Dončić era after making a major midseason trade that shook up the NBA landscape. The early results of Dončić’s partnership with LeBron James have been promising, with both superstars displaying strong chemistry. Their offensive synergy has already made the Lakers a formidable playoff threat, but they still lack the ideal supporting cast to be considered true championship contenders.
One of the biggest areas the team needs to address moving forward is the center position. While Jaxson Hayes has stepped up since Dončić’s arrival, his ceiling as a player is limited. He has shown improvement, but the Lakers may need a more dominant presence in the paint to compete at the highest level. As the team looks ahead to the offseason, acquiring a high-caliber center could be a priority.
A trade proposal recently suggested in an article detailing potential moves for every NBA team at the start of the 2025 offseason included the Lakers acquiring Nikola Vučević from the Chicago Bulls. In this hypothetical deal, Los Angeles would send Rui Hachimura, Shake Milton, and a 2025 second-round pick to Chicago in exchange for Vučević.
The reasoning behind this move is that, while Vučević might not be a perfect stylistic fit alongside Dončić and James, he would still represent a significant upgrade over Hayes. His ability to contribute as a consistent third or fourth scoring option, combined with his rebounding and passing skills, could make him a valuable asset for the Lakers.
Meanwhile, for Chicago, parting ways with Vučević would align with their ongoing rebuild. Over the past year, the Bulls have already moved on from key players such as Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caruso. Trading Vučević could be the next logical step, especially if they receive a strong offer that includes a first-round pick.
At 34 years old, Vučević is enjoying one of the most efficient seasons of his career. The 6’10” center is averaging 18.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting a career-high 53.4% from the field and an impressive 39.2% from three-point range. If the Lakers were to acquire him, he would undoubtedly provide immediate contributions. However, the front office would have to weigh whether bringing in a veteran center is the right move or if they should instead prioritize a younger big man who could remain a core part of the team in the years to come.