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 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.
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.
