Is Jarrett Allen the Reply to the Los Angeles Lakers’ Heart Downside?

The Los Angeles Lakers might lastly be transferring in on their fantasy large man, and it is not merely wishful pondering this time. Recent commerce studies point out Jarrett Allen, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ All-Star middle, could be traded this offseason.

With the Purple and Gold desperately requiring a reliable physique on the 5, Allen suits virtually each attainable requirement.

Jarrett Allen Trade Rumors Spark Lakers Interest

The commerce rumor started when Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor introduced on the Wine and Gold Talk podcast that the Cavaliers are extra prepared than ever earlier than to look at commerce choices for Allen. Although nothing is particular, this newfound disposition offers the Lakers with a attainable lifeline towards fixing their obvious middle downside.

Allen, who is simply 27, continues to be in his prime and comes with a observe report of including to successful basketball. He earned an All-Star nod within the 2021–22 season and stored producing within the areas the Lakers are so desperately in want of help with.

Why Jarrett Allen Is a Perfect Fit for LA

The Lakers’ biggest weak point is rim safety and pick-and-roll protection—two realms through which Jarrett Allen excels. During the 2024–25 season, Allen restricted opponents to a league-low 52.2% capturing on the rim. He additionally paced your entire NBA with a 70.6% field-goal proportion and made 77.2% of his restricted-area makes an attempt.

For a Lakers squad that always struggles to comprise elite guards and wings, a shot-blocker like Allen would act as the last word insurance coverage coverage. Add in his elite pick-and-roll presence, rating within the 87th percentile as a screener, and you’ve got an inside anchor who enhances the likes of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James completely.

Allen Offers More Than Just Defense

Although Allen does not stretch the ground with a three-point try, he is not an offensive legal responsibility. According to Bleacher Report, he has a strong 71.2% profession free-throw proportion, making him hack-a-big-proof. He additionally retains worth with clever publish positioning and high quality finishes in site visitors.

Defensively, Allen’s skill to change on smaller guards with out getting torched is a defensive asset. His profession per-36 averages of 11.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks point out regular manufacturing, whereas his hustle and excessive motor are solely bonuses.

Lakers Trade Package: Is It Enough?

The Lakers might have ample commerce bait to finalize a deal. A deal that focuses on Rui Hachimura, a future first-round choose, a choose swap, and rookie Dalton Knecht might appeal to Cleveland’s consideration. If all else fails, including Austin Reaves might clinch the deal.

Pelinka’s Vision Fits Allen’s Skill Set

Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka has already laid out what the franchise wants: “a vertical threat, lob threat, and someone that could protect the interior defensively.” That’s Jarrett Allen in a nutshell.

The Lakers Should Go All In

With commerce season coming, Jarrett Allen is essentially the most sensible and full answer to the Lakers’ middle disaster. He’s younger, environment friendly, and a pure match offensively and defensively.

Should Allen be available on the market, the Lakers have to get on the cellphone right away. Their championship window is closing, and buying Allen might very effectively be the transaction that reopens it.