02-03-2026, 10:48 AM
What does Cleveland want to do? Reshape whole team at TDL? There are some teams looking for centers, but I think most of them are coming from East. Is Cleveland really that interested in giving Boston, Indy or Atlanta a piece they need?
I think Lakers are the only West team in need of a long term center solution. By trading Allen, Cleveland would be moving Mobley to full time center, which would create a need for PF for them. Lakers basically have the answer, as Cleveland was already looking at Hachimura when discussing Hunter deals. Hachimura for Allen (Knecht or Ayton going to third team for salary matching purpose) seems like a very logical trade for both teams. Cleveland gets a very serviceable PF they were looking to acquire in the Hunter deal already. He is expiring so it gives them flexibility in the summer. If Mobley is moved to center, their only PF is Dean Wade, so they would definitely have a need at the position.
Lakers would get a much better center fit next to Luka. Rui has been good, but his impact is limited as long as LeBron is in the house. Lakers problem would be more in decreased flexibility next season, as Allen would take more than half of their capspace for next season while they would still need to find two starting level wings with LeBron probably ending his career with Lakers in the summer.
The question mark is draft equity. Allen is probably a better player, but Cleveland is getting flexibility and Lakers are losing it. I am not sure if he is worth the whole FRP Lakers could offer.
I think Lakers are the only West team in need of a long term center solution. By trading Allen, Cleveland would be moving Mobley to full time center, which would create a need for PF for them. Lakers basically have the answer, as Cleveland was already looking at Hachimura when discussing Hunter deals. Hachimura for Allen (Knecht or Ayton going to third team for salary matching purpose) seems like a very logical trade for both teams. Cleveland gets a very serviceable PF they were looking to acquire in the Hunter deal already. He is expiring so it gives them flexibility in the summer. If Mobley is moved to center, their only PF is Dean Wade, so they would definitely have a need at the position.
Lakers would get a much better center fit next to Luka. Rui has been good, but his impact is limited as long as LeBron is in the house. Lakers problem would be more in decreased flexibility next season, as Allen would take more than half of their capspace for next season while they would still need to find two starting level wings with LeBron probably ending his career with Lakers in the summer.
The question mark is draft equity. Allen is probably a better player, but Cleveland is getting flexibility and Lakers are losing it. I am not sure if he is worth the whole FRP Lakers could offer.