The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly trying to enter the Miami Heat’s trade framework for Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to insider Anthony Irwin, Los Angeles is pursuing Heat center, Kel’el Ware. Irwin, who also reported the Lakers’ interest in acquiring players or picks through the potential Antetokounmpo trade on Saturday, initially named Isaiah Stewart as a target.
While that rumor remains, Irwin said on Sunday that he heard more murmurs the same evening about the Lakers eyeing Ware.
“As we kind of moved into the evening, started hearing more and more noise about Kel’el Ware that the Lakers could potentially be in on him,” Irwin said on Lakers Lounge.
Kel’el Ware, 22, would be an exceptional scoop for the Lakers. However, it remains to be seen if the Bucks will accept such a proposal. Ware would be an apt fit for them as well since they will look to get younger once Giannis Antetokounmpo departs.
In fact, Ware might be the most enticing piece of them all for the Bucks in a potential Antetokounmpo to Heat trade. The soon-to-be third-year center has shown flashes of becoming one of the best floor spacing big men who can also defend the rim efficiently. Ware is also an explosive athlete, making him a rare commodity around the NBA at his size.
Last year, Ware averaged 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks, shooting 53.0% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range on 3.0 attempts.
Lakers are “on the clock” with Luka Doncic: Report
Luka Doncic is seemingly running out of patience in his pursuit of a championship. After coming close with the Mavericks in 2024 and then getting traded to the Lakers, Doncic has suffered multiple setbacks and watched his rival Shai Gilgeous-Alexander win two MVPs and a title before him. This season, he saw his former teammate, Jalen Brunson, lift the Larry O’Brien with the Knicks.
New reports suggest the Lakers are “on the clock” with Doncic since the end of last season. Here’s what The Athletic’s Dan Woike wrote on Sunday:
“Sam Amick and I reported that the Lakers were “on the clock” with Doncic right after the end of last season, and nothing I’ve heard from my sources would change that thought process. Doncic is in the prime of his career and was traded away from a roster built to his specifications to compete for NBA titles. And if the Lakers can’t provide that, maybe he looks elsewhere.”
It would be a gigantic blow for the Lakers if Doncic attempts to move on from them down the stretch due to their front office’s shortcomings. The Lakers were fortunate to land a superstar like him, who could take over the mantle from LeBron James, and it would take them a while to find a generational superstar if Doncic leaves.
Read more:
- NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Target $17.7 Million Elite Defensive Guard to Fix Backcourt Woes
- Lakers Could Land Blockbuster Luka Doncic Help as Part of Mind-Boggling 4-Team Giannis Antetokounmpo Sweepstakes
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