Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Jahlil Okafor

Detroit Pistons Receive: F Alfonzo McKinnie, LAL 2027 2nd Round Pick

Before injuring his knee, Jahlil Okafor played in 12 games for the Detroit Pistons and only averaged about 10 minutes per game. With Mason Plumlee and Isaiah Stewart being a solid “one-two punch” for the Pistons at the center position, they do not really have a need for Okafor anymore other than potential depth, which is why they could look to trade him if a team is interested. 

It is not like the Lakers have expressed a ton of interest in Jahlil Okafor specifically, but they are looking for a physical center who is more than capable of being a brute in the paint and aiding them in rebounding when his number is called. 

Okafor can absolutely be this kind of player for the Lakers when he is healthy, which is why they could look to add him for virtually nothing. A 2027 second-round pick means absolutely nothing to the Lakers right now as they are in “championship-mode” and Alfonzo McKinnie is the last player on the bench for this team, so trading him does not really matter either. 

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While they hold one of the worst records in the league, the Pistons are actually not that bad of a team. They have lost a ton of games by 6 or less points this season and with a bunch of really solid young players, this is a franchise that could turn things around very soon, which is why gaining more future assets makes sense. 

This is a very small move to potentially be made and this trade would be quick and easy for both teams. Now, let’s take a closer look as to if this trade makes sense for both the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers.