The Los Angeles Lakers may finally be moving in on their fantasy big man, and it's not merely wishful thinking this time. Recent trade reports indicate Jarrett Allen, the Cleveland Cavaliers' All-Star center, might be traded this offseason.

With the Purple and Gold desperately requiring a dependable body at the 5, Allen fits almost every possible requirement.

Jarrett Allen Trade Rumors Spark Lakers Interest

NBA Trade Rumors: Is Jarrett Allen the Answer For Lakers' NBA Trade Rumors: Is Jarrett Allen the Answer For Lakers'
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The trade rumor began when Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor announced on the Wine and Gold Talk podcast that the Cavaliers are more willing than ever before to examine trade options for Allen. Although nothing is definite, this newfound disposition provides the Lakers with a possible lifeline toward solving their glaring center problem.

Allen, who is only 27, is still in his prime and comes with a track record of adding to winning basketball. He earned an All-Star nod in the 2021–22 season and kept producing in the areas the Lakers are so desperately in need of assistance with.

Why Jarrett Allen Is a Perfect Fit for LA

The Lakers' greatest weakness is rim protection and pick-and-roll defense—two realms in which Jarrett Allen excels. During the 2024–25 season, Allen restricted opponents to a league-low 52.2% shooting at the rim. He also paced the entire NBA with a 70.6% field-goal percentage and made 77.2% of his restricted-area attempts.

For a Lakers squad that often struggles to contain elite guards and wings, a shot-blocker like Allen would act as the ultimate insurance policy. Add in his elite pick-and-roll presence, ranking in the 87th percentile as a screener, and you have an interior anchor who complements the likes of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James perfectly.

Allen Offers More Than Just Defense

Although Allen doesn't stretch the floor with a three-point attempt, he's not an offensive liability. According to Bleacher Report, he has a solid 71.2% career free-throw percentage, making him hack-a-big-proof. He also retains value with intelligent post positioning and quality finishes in traffic.

Defensively, Allen's ability to switch on smaller guards without getting torched is a defensive asset. His career per-36 averages of 11.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks indicate steady production, while his hustle and high motor are only bonuses.

Lakers Trade Package: Is It Enough?

The Lakers may have sufficient trade bait to finalize a deal. A deal that focuses on Rui Hachimura, a future first-round pick, a pick swap, and rookie Dalton Knecht may attract Cleveland's attention. If all else fails, adding Austin Reaves may 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 needs: "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 trade season coming, Jarrett Allen is the most realistic and complete solution to the Lakers' center crisis. He's young, efficient, and a natural fit offensively and defensively.

Should Allen be on the market, the Lakers need to get on the phone in an instant. Their championship window is closing, and acquiring Allen could very well be the transaction that reopens it.