The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Milwaukee Bucks center Kel’el Ware as the franchise searches for an athletic big man to complement star guard Luka Doncic this summer, league sources told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Ware, 22, landed in Milwaukee last week as part of the multi-team blockbuster that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. Because that transaction cannot become official until the new league year opens on July 6, Los Angeles could still fold itself into the agreement and acquire the 7-footer, according to the report.
The former No. 7 overall pick averaged 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks across 77 games last season while shooting 39.5% from three on three attempts per contest. Despite those numbers, he logged just 22.0 minutes per game and started 34 times, suggesting room for a larger role.
Los Angeles is believed to be prioritizing a rim-running, floor-spreading center who can protect the paint, finish lobs and grow alongside its core. Ware’s age, mobility and perimeter touch check every box on that wish list.
The key hurdle is Milwaukee’s asking price. The Bucks have not indicated what type of players or draft capital they would seek in a potential package, and the Lakers must decide how far they are willing to go to secure a long-term frontcourt piece.
Meanwhile, the league continues to digest the ramifications of Antetokounmpo’s move to South Beach. Lakers icon Magic Johnson was among the many high-profile figures to offer immediate reactions on social media once the news broke.
The NBA’s moratorium lifts July 6, leaving several weeks for Los Angeles to determine whether pushing for Ware is the right play as the offseason market takes shape.
Source: LakersNation.com
