After having Lonzo Ball on their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers are now aiming for Onyeka Okongwu, a former high school classmate of the Ball brothers.

 Onyeka Okongwu, a talented big man for the Atlanta Hawks, has been linked to the Lakers in trade rumors as the NBA summer approaches.  According to sources, the Lakers still view Okongwu as a viable addition to their roster and had previously made inquiries about him before the February trade deadline.

At six feet ten, Okongwu may be a little too small for a typical center position.  Nonetheless, he offers a strong defensive punch with to his remarkable speed and almost 7-foot-2 wingspan.  He took Clint Capela’s place as a starter this season, averaging 15 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in slightly over 31 minutes per game.

Okongwu has a close connection to Los Angeles.  He played with the Ball brothers, Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo, at Chino Hills High School when he was a teenager.  Their thrilling, quick-paced play during their incredible 35-0 season in 2015–16, which ended in a state championship, made a lasting impression on basketball fans around the country.

Following the Ball brothers’ graduation, Okongwu kept up his impressive play at Chino Hills, winning two more state titles and being named Mr. California Basketball in 2018 and 2019.  After that, he had an outstanding year at USC, where his accomplishments earned him a berth on the First Team All-Pac-12.  The Hawks selected him sixth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.

The Lakers’ frontcourt problems were evident during the most recent playoffs, when their center combination of Alex Len and Jaxson Hayes could not make an impression.  It is obvious that an update is necessary.  Okongwu is still a desirable target even after a prior trade effort for another Eastern Conference center failed.  He is a significant commitment, with three years and $48 million remaining on his deal, but the Lakers are unwilling to give up valuable assets to get him.

In addition to strengthening the Lakers’ defense, Okongwu’s addition to the team may bring together a brilliant bunch of former high school standouts, possibly reigniting their friendship and chemistry on the court.