1 week Ago By Frederick Okocha, Last Word On Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers are staring at elimination, trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1 in their playoff series. History offers little comfort. Only 13 teams have ever rallied from such a deficit to win a series.
The last to achieve it were the Denver Nuggets , who pulled it off twice in 2020. If anyone understands 3-1 comebacks, it’s LeBron James . Still, the odds remain firmly against the Lakers.
Their season is, for all intents and purposes, finished. Luka Dončić, traded to Los Angeles with a clear mission to win, now faces his first first-round exit since 2021. The Lakers have secured their superstar for now, but Luka’s future isn’t guaranteed.
He holds a player option after the 2025-26 season. If not satisfied with the team’s competitiveness, Dončić could become a free agent in 2026 or 2027. To protect their investment, the Lakers must move quickly and wisely this summer.
One name should top their list: Khaman Maluach . The need for the Lakers to target Khaman Maluach in the Draft is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Lakers Must Draft Khaman Maluach To Keep Luka Dončić Happy Khaman Maluach: Rising Star Freshman big man Maluach declared for the NBA draft after helping Duke reach the Final Four.
Standing at 7-foot-2 and weighing 250 pounds, Maluach has only begun to scratch the surface of his immense potential. Duke coach Jon Scheyer praised Maluach’s foundation, noting that his best years lie ahead. Maluach’s skill set remains raw, but his 7-foot-5 wingspan and 9-foot-8 standing reach make him one of the most physically gifted prospects.
During his lone season at Duke, he averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.
3 blocks per game. Even more impressive, he shot an incredible 71.2% from the field.
His free-throw percentage (76.6%) and ability to knock down occasional threes hint at even more offensive upside. A Lakers’ Khaman Maluach Draft plan makes even more sense when considering his defensive versatility.
He can anchor the paint and step out to defend perimeter players. That rare combination is exactly what Dončić needs beside him. Why the Lakers Must Move Fast The Lakers have an urgent need for a true center.
Trading Anthony Davis for Dončić was bold but left a gaping hole in the frontcourt. Their attempt to replace Davis with Mark Williams failed due to a failed physical. Jaxson Hayes has done his best, but his playoff struggles highlight the need for a better long-term solution.
Enter Maluach. He is an ideal rim-runner who finishes lobs and defends the paint. The Lakers drafting Khaman Maluach would give them a perfect defensive anchor while enhancing Luka’s offensive dominance.
Rob Pelinka must consider trading assets like Dalton Knecht or a future first-rounder to secure a pick high enough to land Maluach. The Lakers simply cannot afford to waste Luka’s prime years without the right supporting cast. This year has shown that.
Maluach’s Strengths Match the Lakers’ Needs Maluach impacts games beyond the box score. His length alters shots, disrupts offenses, and forces opponents into bad decisions. His energy, coachability, and steady improvement show he is nowhere near his ceiling.
He runs the floor better than most young bigs. He remains efficient, especially in transition and pick-and-roll situations. Though his three-point shooting sample is small, hitting 4-of-16 attempts shows promise.
The gamble with Maluach is his still-developing offensive game. However, given his maturity, intelligence, and work ethic, he is worth the risk. The Lakers targeting Khaman Maluach in the 2025 Draft would not just address a positional need—it would signal to Dončić that the franchise is serious about building a winner.
A Smart Gamble for a Bright Future Maluach might not dominate from day one, but his upside is enormous. His presence would relieve Luka from carrying the defensive load while providing a reliable lob target on offense. Drafting him would also give the Lakers a future defensive star with elite measurables.
In today’s NBA, where versatile big men are vital, Maluach could become a cornerstone. The team’s priority must be building a sustainable contender around him. That begins with the Lakers targeting Khaman Maluach in the Draft.
Winning Luka’s trust now will pay off for years to come. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..
