Lakers Eye Celtics’ Big Man To Boost Paint Presence, Boston’s Cost-Cutting Sparks Interest

Akash Vaishnav

Last updated: June 2, 2025

2 min read

Lakers search for size after AD trade

Image Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Boston Celtics players are drawing league-wide interest. This after nearly everyone knows that the Eastern Conference powerhouse is looking to massively trim down its expensive roster.

The Los Angeles Lakers have joined the chase for one of Boston’s key rotation players. A host of other teams have also started circling around Boston’s players. Reserve center Luke Kornet is attracting interest from the Lakers given their defensive woes.

Media reports suggest that the Lakers will add a big man in the off season after Anthony Davis’ departure. The Lakers’ defense, already under strain, took another hit when Anthony Davis was traded to Dallas for Luka Doncic. And the Lakers are not a team like the Golden State Warriors, who have the skill and the will to function with small players around the court.

LeBron turning Luka from beer to red wine—passing down the wisdom 🥲 pic.twitter.com/SxHMzXeNnx
— Lakers Better (@LakersBetter) May 31, 2025

Luke Kornet emerged as one of the important role players in the 2025 NBA Playoffs for the Boston Celtics. He became a key piece of the rotation, averaging 4.5 points on 72.4 percent shooting from the floor. His offensive efficiency is also one of his strengths, where he averaged 100 percent from the free throw line.

The 7-foot-2 big man averaged 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 0.5 assists across 16 minutes in his 11 playoff appearances so far. The Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in trading the 29-year-old, with his stock price reaching a new high in the off season.

Lakers May Revisit Mark Williams Pursuit

The Los Angeles Lakers were targeting Mark Williams in the aftermath of Anthony Davis’ departure early this year. A deal was almost completed between all the parties involved, including the Charlotte Hornets. However, Lakers’ failed the medical of Mark Williams and moved out of the deal at the 11th hour.

Williams, despite having his heart set out on the move, performed well for the Hornets. Though the dealbreaker emerged as a massive blow to him, he kept going. According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, Mark Williams is on the wish list of at least four NBA teams ahead of the summer.

Surprisingly, the Los Angeles Lakers are also expected to revisit the 23-year-old if they don’t land their primary targets. Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and Toronto Raptors are the other sides expected to make a move on the defender.

Boston Celtics

Los Angeles Lakers

Luke Kornet

Akash Vaishnav

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I cover NBA at the Playoffs. I specialize in covering breaking news, Previews, in in-depth analysis (breaking down numbers, complex stats, nuances of the game, and converting them into reader-friendly content). Furthermore, I got into the sports media while looking for an entry into the media industry. I love International Relations, and since entry without majoring in the subject was difficult, I got into sports. Now, while majoring in International Relations on one side, I also like covering sports as part of the journey as a young Journalist.