The Los Angeles Lakers may be in the market for a center, and rumors are circulating that they could be interested in Houston Rockets’ talented big man, Alperen Şengün. Şengün, known for his impressive playmaking s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, footwork, and basketball IQ, would be an intriguing addition to the Lakers’ roster. However, while the idea of acquiring him sounds exciting, it’s very unlikely a deal will get done due to several key factors.

Why the Lakers Could Use Alperen Şengün

The Lakers currently have depth in their frontcourt, with Anthony Davis anchoring the defense and players like Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes providing additional size and versatility. However, there are still a few reasons why the Lakers might be considering adding another big man, particularly one with the unique s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set of Şengün.

1. Playmaking and Offensive S𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁set: Şengün is a rare type of center who excels as a passer, operating out of the post and facilitating offense from the top of the key. His court vision and ability to run an offense through him would add a new dimension to the Lakers’ attack. While the Lakers have great playmakers in LeBron James and Austin Reaves, adding a center who can make plays for others could take some of the burden off them.
2. Versatile Scoring and Rebounding: Şengün has shown significant growth in his ability to score in a variety of ways. His post moves, touch around the basket, and even his developing mid-range shot make him a versatile offensive weapon. The Lakers could use a big man who can score consistently in the paint and crash the boards, providing second-chance opportunities.
3. Future Building Block: Şengün is only 21 years old and has the potential to develop into a cornerstone player. While the Lakers are focused on winning now, having a young, talented big man like Şengün would not only help them in the short term but also give them a player they could build around for the future, especially as LeBron’s career winds down.

Why a Deal is Unlikely

Despite the potential fit, there are several reasons why a trade for Şengün is unlikely to happen.

1. Rockets’ Rebuild Plans: The Rockets are in the midst of a rebuild, and Şengün is one of their most promising young players. Houston has invested time and development into him, and he’s viewed as a key part of their future alongside other young talents like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. It would be surprising for the Rockets to part ways with Şengün unless they are offered a significant package in return, which the Lakers may not be able to provide.
2. Lakers’ Limited Trade Assets: The Lakers don’t have many valuable trade assets available at the moment. After trading several picks in recent years to acquire Anthony Davis and to make midseason moves, their draft capital is limited. Additionally, their young players, like Max Christie or Jalen Hood-Schifino, may not be enough to entice Houston to give up Şengün. The Rockets would likely want either draft picks or high-potential young players, which the Lakers may be reluctant to offer.
3. Salary Matching Issues: Şengün is still on his rookie contract, which means his salary is relatively low compared to many of the Lakers’ higher-paid players. The Lakers would have difficulty matching salaries without including a player like D’Angelo Russell or Rui Hachimura, which would likely be too high a price to pay. Houston would also need to be willing to take on any contracts the Lakers would include in a deal, which could complicate negotiations.
4. Şengün’s Fit with Houston’s System: While the Rockets have undergone coaching changes, new head coach Ime Udoka might value Şengün’s playmaking ability and potential defensive improvement. Houston’s system could allow Şengün to thrive as the centerpiece of their offense in the coming years, making it even less likely they would part with him.

Potential Alternatives for the Lakers

If the Lakers are looking to add a center, there are more realistic options they could pursue in the trade market. Some veteran big men who might be available closer to the trade deadline include:

• Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors): A solid rim protector and rebounder, Poeltl would fit well alongside Anthony Davis in the frontcourt and provide a defensive presence inside.
• Clint Capela (Atlanta Hawks): Capela could bring an elite level of rebounding and defense, helping the Lakers control the paint and provide additional support for AD.
• Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers): The Lakers have been linked to Turner for a while now. He’s a shot-blocking center who can also stretch the floor with his shooting. However, the Pacers may not be eager to move him unless they shift into a rebuild.

Final Thoughts

While the idea of Alperen Şengün joining the Lakers is exciting for fans, it’s highly unlikely to materialize given the Rockets’ investment in his development and the Lakers’ limited trade assets. That being said, the Lakers could still explore the trade market for other big men to bolster their frontcourt as the season progresses.

Ultimately, while the Lakers may be interested in adding more size and s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 in the center position, a deal for Şengün would be extremely difficult to pull off. It’s more likely the Lakers will focus on internal development and potential smaller-scale moves as they aim to solidify their roster for a deep playoff run.