Following their notable acquisition of Luka Dončić, the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly explored the possibility of another significant trade prior to the February trade deadline. On the Straight Fire podcast with Jason McIntyre, ESPN's Dave McMenamin mentioned that the Lakers 'made a call' to the Atlanta Hawks regarding Onyeka Okongwu. This inquiry occurred before the Lakers executed an initial deal with the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, a trade that was ultimately rescinded before it was finalized.

Onyeka Okongwu is characterized as a player who complements Dončić's playing style, demonstrating a capacity for effective collaboration. Standing at 6'10'', the former USC standout has proven to be a lob threat while possessing notable defensive abilities in the paint. Although he may not represent the superstar that some Lakers fans might desire, Okongwu would have addressed the substantial center vacancy that the Minnesota Timberwolves exploited during the playoffs. Additionally, Okongwu’s age—turning 25 in December—aligns well with the Lakers' current strategy, positioning Dončić as the central figure for the team's future.

Furthermore, Okongwu's contract situation enhances his appeal, as he is signed to a favorable deal amounting to three years and approximately $47.98 million remaining. Given that the Hawks designated Okongwu as their starting center over Clint Capela in January, his potential trade seems less viable. The Hawks, meanwhile, find themselves navigating a precarious situation regarding their organizational direction, having missed the playoffs in consecutive years and not surpassing 43 wins since the 2015-16 season. Should the Hawks consider a brief rebuild, Okongwu stands out as one of their most valuable assets owing to his age, contract, and marked improvement—a season in which he recorded career highs in scoring (13.9), rebounding (8.9), and assists (2.3) across 74 games. As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming offseason, it is evident they are seeking a starting center, having utilized Jaxson Hayes primarily for this role, though his postseason performance was lackluster, tallying just 30 minutes over four games against Minnesota.