In an effort to bolster their roster following the significant acquisition of Luka Dončić, the Los Angeles Lakers engaged in conversations about potential trades before the February trade deadline. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, speaking on the Straight Fire podcast with Jason McIntyre, the Lakers initiated contact with the Atlanta Hawks regarding center Onyeka Okongwu. This inquiry occurred prior to the Lakers' initial deal with the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, which the team later rescinded before it was formally announced.

Onyeka Okongwu, a 6'10" center from USC, presents as a player who complements Dončić's playing style effectively. Known for his ability as a lob threat and his defensive capabilities in the paint, Okongwu may not be a marquee name that fans typically desire, yet he could have addressed the significant gap at the center position that the Lakers experienced during their playoff run, particularly against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The timing of Okongwu's career aligns well with the Lakers' plans, as he will only turn 25 in December, thus fitting into the franchise's future vision centered around Dončić. Additionally, Okongwu is under a contract that runs for three more years at a reasonable $47.98 million, making him an appealing asset.

Given that the Hawks made Okongwu their starting center over Clint Capela earlier this year, it was not surprising that they seemed disinclined to entertain trade offers. Complicating matters for the Hawks, however, is their ongoing struggle to define their team direction, as they have missed the playoffs in the past two seasons and have not surpassed 43 wins since the 2015-16 season. Should the Hawks opt for a short-term rebuild, Okongwu would undeniably serve as a valuable trade asset, given his young age, favorable contract, and improved statistics—averaging career highs of 13.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game during the recent season. The Lakers, who concluded the season with Jaxson Hayes primarily starting at center, are likely to actively seek a starting center this summer, considering Hayes's limited impact during the postseason.