LeBron James and Luka Doncic could get the center they desperately need and Celtics fans won't like it
(Image Source - Getty Images)
The Lakers in Los Angeles are trying to enhance their team with stars like
LeBron James
and Luka Doncic, and they're reportedly interested in Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet as a potential new player.
Kornet has had some standout moments, particularly in the 2025 playoffs, making him a hot free-agent target.
This situation creates extra tension for Celtics fans, as the idea of losing a key player to their historic rivals is quite nerve-wracking during the offseason.
Luke Kornet's playoff surge and Boston's financial constraints could pave the way for a Lakers acquisition
During Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, Luke Kornet put on a fantastic show, scoring 10 points with perfect accuracy, collecting nine rebounds, and achieving a career-high of seven blocks in merely 26 minutes.
This performance highlighted his defensive capabilities and his talent for rising to the challenge when it matters.
During the 2024–25 NBA season, Kornet put up an average of 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists each game, boasting a remarkable 66.8% shooting percentage across 73 regular-season games. His playoff performance showcased even more of his skill, as he shot 72.4% from the field.
This offseason, the Boston Celtics are facing major financial hurdles, being more than $40 million over the luxury tax and $20 million into the second apron, which results in significant financial penalties.
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With Kornet becoming an unrestricted free agent, the Celtics could have a hard time holding onto him, especially if other teams make more appealing offers.
The Los Angeles Lakers are on the lookout for a dependable center to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and they might see Kornet as a perfect match. His skills as a lob threat and rim protector fit right into what the Lakers need. Plus, bringing Kornet on board would not just fill a gap in their lineup but also take away a key player from their rivals, the Celtics.
The Lakers aren't flying solo in their pursuit. It seems the Golden State Warriors have their sights set on Kornet too, aiming to strengthen their frontcourt without adding to their luxury tax concerns.
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Caitlin Clark says Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are in 'vacation mode' as Indiana Fever fans hope for a surprise game visit
Luke Kornet has been performing consistently, and with the Celtics facing financial limits, he's a top target for teams like the Lakers. Although getting him might need a solid offer, the advantages he brings on both sides of the court could justify the cost. For Celtics fans, the thought of losing an important player to their historic rivals just adds more stress to the offseason.
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