The Boston Celtics have secured their playoff spot after finishing second in the Western Conference. With Al Horford's strong performance, Boston might need to relocate some of its players to other teams. One of the big men with big potential is Luke Kornet, who might be the target of some teams. The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly open to signing him.
With the Lakers' three straight losses, there's no doubt that Rob Pelinka already knows the team's defensive weakness. Kornet could offer his block-shotting ability to help the Lakers get a playoff spot.
Lakers Make Pursuit Of Celtics' Center Luke Kornet
The Lakers' management is keenly on the lookout for ways to strengthen their team, and their quest has taken them to the Boston Celtics. Word is that the Lakers want to sign the Celtics' reserve center Luke Kornet in the next offseason, according to The Sporting News.
The Lakers, having made a trade of Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic, now find themselves without size or depth in the paint, and Kornet could be a low-budget option.
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Could Lakers Give Kornet a Good Assignment in LA?
At 7'1", Luke Kornet will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Having just won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, he might look for a larger contract, and the Lakers might be able to provide that.
Kornet's rim protection and finishing of lobs make him the perfect fit to complement LeBron James and Luka Doncic's playmaking skills.
Kornet's Influence on the Lakers' Style of Play
Merging Kornet with LeBron and Luka would balance the Lakers' roster. His defensive ability would assist the Lakers in keeping opposing big men in check, and his pick-and-roll efficiency on offense would provide additional scoring opportunities.
Moreover, Kornet's skill set perfectly complements the Lakers' system, enabling them to plug their existing weaknesses.
Celtics Might Struggle to Keep Kornet
As Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report points out, the Celtics might not be able to keep Kornet, even though he played a part in their championship-winning season.
"While Al Horford will turn 39 in June, he's likely to be back with the Celtics. Can the same be said of Luke Kornet? The backup center is turning 30 this summer."
"This may be the best time to turn his productive years in Boston into a contract larger than a minimum somewhere else," Pincus added.
Why the Lakers Need Kornet
The Lakers' shortage of surefire depth in the frontcourt has been a glaring problem all season. Without Anthony Davis and LeBron's minutes monitored, bringing in a good backup center like Kornet would help take some of the load off the Lakers' stars.
Not only would Kornet lock down the paint, but he would also give valuable minutes off the bench, allowing the team more flexibility during key portions of the season.
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