Atlanta, GA
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could be eyeing $61,980,000 Atlanta Hawks center in a blockbuster deal to bolster squad around LeBron James and Luka Doncic | NBA News – Times of India
The Los Angeles Lakers face a critical offseason after a disappointing first-round playoff exit. A glaring weakness was exposed—their lack of a dominant center. Now, a surprising trade proposal suggests they could fix that problem by acquiring Atlanta Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Need a True Center
The Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles against the Minnesota Timberwolves highlighted their need for a reliable center. Rudy Gobert dominated in Game 5, putting up 27 points and 24 rebounds. Without a strong interior presence, Los Angeles was outmatched. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka previously tried to address this issue: “Rob Pelinka made calls to the Atlanta Hawks at this past February’s trade deadline in hopes of acquiring big man, Onyeka Okongwu before ultimately deciding on a deal with the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, before Williams failed a physical, which forced the trade to be rescinded.”With the offseason approaching, the Lakers may revisit a deal for Okongwu.
Proposed Trade Details
LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Makoto Kokushi. Image via: LM Otero/ AP | Los Angeles Lakers/ Instagram
Here’s how the trade could work according to Colby Faria of the Sporting News:
| Los Angeles Lakers Receive | Atlanta Hawks Receive |
|---|---|
| Onyeka Okongwu | Dalton Knecht |
| Gabe Vincent | |
| 2031 First-Round Pick (unprotected) |
Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Los Angeles Lakers
– Onyeka Okongwu’s Production: He averaged career highs of 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in under 28 minutes. – Contract Value: He’s owed just $15 million per year for the next two seasons—a reasonable price for a starting-caliber center. – Defensive Upgrade: His athleticism and rim protection would significantly improve the Lakers’ interior defense.
Why the Atlanta Hawks Might Consider It
– Future Assets: A 2031 unprotected first-round pick could be valuable if the Lakers struggle in the future. – Youth Movement: Knecht is a promising young player who fits a rebuilding timeline. – Financial Flexibility: Moving Okongwu’s salary could help the Hawks reshape their roster.
What’s Next for the Los Angeles Lakers?
If this trade happens, the Los Angeles Lakers finally secure a long-term answer at center. Okongwu’s energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility would complement LeBron James, allowing him to play his natural power forward position more often. For the Hawks, this deal signals a shift toward future flexibility rather than immediate contention.Also read: NBA Trade Rumor: Golden State Warriors predicted to send $215,353,664 superstar to Boston Celtics in a blockbuster 3-way tradeThis offseason could define the Lakers’ direction. If Pelinka pulls off this move, it might be the game-changing addition they need to return to title contention.
Get IPL 2025 match schedules, squads, points table, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
The Georgia Department of Transportation announced that a major weekend construction project, set to fully shut down two miles of I-285, has been postponed due to inclement weather. Atlantans are relieved, with many looking forward to more freedom to travel this Mothers’ Day weekend. Kim Leoffler has the story.
ATLANTA – An Atlanta flight attendant and mother of eight is among 17,000 Spirit Airlines workers struggling to find a new “destination” after the carrier suddenly shut down.
Spirit Airlines Atlanta impact
What we know:
Spirit Airlines ended all operations on Saturday, grounding its entire fleet and ending employment for its 17,000-person workforce. Flight attendants and customers were stranded across the country, often forced to pay for their own travel home after the discount carrier ceased operations.
Kamille Carter, an Atlanta-based flight attendant of five years, said she received the termination email from the CEO at 3 a.m., despite earlier assurances from union representatives that the company was stable. The company immediately cut healthcare benefits and stopped payments for sick leave and vacation time for all staff members.
Unpaid wages and benefits
What we don’t know:
It is unclear if Carter and her fellow employees will ever receive their final paychecks or if there is any legal recourse for the lost benefits. The company has not specified if any transition assistance will be provided to workers, some of whom had been with the airline since it launched in 1994.
Employee reaction in Georgia
What they’re saying:
“This is a death because you have to mourn, you have to grieve, it’s a process,” Carter said of the sudden job loss. Despite the financial strain of supporting eight children, Carter is looking toward her passion for cooking as a potential new career. She noted that while being uncomfortable is difficult, it can “push you to your destiny.”
Finding help in Atlanta
What you can do:
Community members looking to support Carter and other local workers affected by the shutdown can find more information on the FOX 5 Atlanta website. The station is collecting resources for those navigating the sudden loss of income and healthcare.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from an interview conducted by FOX 5 reporter Eric Perry, who spoke directly with former flight attendant Kamille Carter in Atlanta. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting was also used.
The search for missing 16-year-old Benjamin Braithwaite is over. Atlanta police announced just before midnight Thursday that he had been located, more than a week after he vanished from his Regency Trace home.
The department shared the update on social media but did not release additional details about where he was found or the circumstances surrounding his recovery.
Braithwaite had been missing since the night of April 27, when he was last seen around 9 p.m. at his home in Atlanta. His family said they had no contact with him during the entire time he was gone.
The disappearance of the KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School sophomore and basketball team member had galvanized the Atlanta community. His family, teammates, Atlanta police officers and neighbors gathered at the school last week to raise awareness about his disappearance. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where his mother works, joined the search effort — asking the public to watch for him at MARTA stops and fast food restaurants.
A $10,000 reward had been offered for credible information leading to his safe return.
“Even small details matter. Your awareness could make the difference,” the airport wrote in an Instagram post earlier this week.
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