Lakers’ Rebound Cure: Domantas Sabonis?

The Lakers have been one of the West’s best early this season even with LeBron sidelined by sciatica, but a 29-point loss to the Thunder revealed clear weaknesses. Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis — 15.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists — is drawing trade interest. As Sam Amick said, “there are at least a few teams that have raised their hand.” He would bring floor spacing and the rebounding boost L.A. badly needs. Merlin sees a practical upgrade: Sabonis’s feel and boards could mask the Lakers’ third-worst rebounding (40.3) and allow two-big lineups alongside Deandre Ayton (15.5/7.5). Salary constraints and Austin Reaves’ impending extension make a deal tricky, and Sabonis’s rim protection and dip in scoring this year are caveats — but he could tilt the balance.