Domantas Sabonis is an attractive name and a very good NBA player. For the Los Angeles Lakers, though, the Sacramento Kings center is the last thing they need.
Back in March, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported, "League sources said Sabonis, who has three more seasons and a combined $140.3 million left on his current deal, is expected to seek clarity about the organization’s plan in the offseason."
Since that report, the Kings brought in Scott Perry to serve as the franchise's new general manager. With De'Aaron Fox being shipped away to the San Antonio Spurs this season, it would be unsurprising to see a new executive make some wholesale changes to the roster.
This should suggest the strong possibility of Sabonis being available for trade. Despite that, the potential fit would not make a whole ton of sense for the Lakers.
Sabonis' skill set does not match Lakers' positional need
For anyone living under a rock, JJ Redick's team has a very obvious and glaring hole at center. Rob Pelinka will need to find 48 minutes of quality play down low during this offseason.
Sabonis is a three-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection, and three-time rebounding champion. The versatile big man is definitely a star. Sabonis is just not built in the mold that the Lakers would need.
The best asset that the Kings center could bring to the Lakers is a boost on the glass. Sabonis has led the NBA in rebounds per game for three seasons in a row. At a price tag of $43.6 million next season, and rising until the conclusion of the 2027-28 campaign, that is just not worth it.
This was a topic that came up on The Bill Simmons Podcast a few days ago.
"If I'm Sacramento, I put together this team that clearly doesn't work. I'm paying Sabonis more money than he's worth. ... Could you [the Lakers] give them a get out of jail free card with that Sabonis contract?"
Ryen Russillo countered saying that the Lakers would be better served to get a handful of 'cheap rim runners' instead. Pelinka and Lakers fans can certainly dream of a scenario a little more exciting than just that. However, the overall point is understandable.
The Lakers need an athletic pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic who can protect the rim on the other side of the court. Sabonis does not fit that description. Absorbing such a massive deal for a largely imperfect fit is a disaster Los Angeles should absolutely steer clear of this offseason.
