Lakers linked to trade for $87 million 7-foot Thunder NBA champion center originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Roster changes typically occur when a franchise disappoints under the bright lights.
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According to the Third Apron’s Yossi Gozlan, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2026 postseason shortcomings could benefit the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. Specifically, a premature playoff exit could open the door for Los Angeles to trade for the Thunder’s 7-foot NBA champion center.
“The Lakers (and 28 other teams) are likely hoping for an early Thunder playoff exit, which could lead to a reduction in roster expenses next year,” Gozlan wrote Monday. “Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort would be fantastic additions to the Lakers in free agency if their team options were declined.”
Although Chet Holmgren is the Thunder’s premier big man, there’s no question Hartenstein has been a valuable role player for Oklahoma City since joining the organization in 2024.
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From maximizing his rim-running opportunities to playing fundamentally sound pick-and-roll basketball, Hartenstein excels in his role with the defending-champion Thunder.
Hartenstein is averaging 10.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game with Oklahoma City this season, shooting 64.6% from the field in 32 contests. As Gozlan noted, the Thunder’s failure to build on their remarkable 2024-25 championship run could be great news for the Lakers this summer.
A versatile center like Hartenstein would fit well alongside Luka Doncic in Los Angeles, making a potential trade exciting to envision.
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