The Trail Blazers would likely want to make room to have more minutes for Donovan Clingan, who they recently selected early in the 2024 NBA Draft. For the Lakers, meanwhile, Ayton could have at least some tangible valuable as a player who has postseason experience and tremendous size on the inside.

Pelinka and Dončić spoke to the media, and while this trade is seismic, the Lakers general manager hinted he may not done bolstering the roster; he can't be. The Lakers have no center to go along with his roster, and Pelinka said what he and the brass must do to complete this roster by Thursday.