Saša Dončić reveals how the Lakers experienced Slovenia

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly considering Dwight Powell as a potential third-center option for the 2026/27 season, with his familiarity with Slovenia’s Luka Dončić being a key factor in their interest. Powell, who played alongside Dončić during their time with the Dallas Mavericks, has shared the court with him for 389 games, the most of any teammate Dončić had throughout his eight-year NBA career. This extensive partnership has given Powell deep insight into Dončić’s playing style, which could prove valuable for the Lakers should they pursue a deal involving the Slovenian star. The Lakers have already bolstered their frontcourt this summer by signing Walker Kessler and Kevin Looney, but they still need a more experienced presence under the basket to complete their rotation. According to reports from Khobi Price of California Post, Powell is one of the most logical candidates due to his experience and understanding of high-level play. At 35 years old and standing 208 centimeters tall, Powell is no longer expected to log large minutes or produce eye-popping statistics, but his knowledge of Dončić’s tendencies could make him a strategic fit for a reserve role. Powell joined the Mavericks in the 2014/15 season as part of a trade that sent Rajon Rondo to the Boston Celtics. Over the past decade, he became one of the most respected players within the organization, not necessarily for his individual numbers but for his willingness to take on whatever role was needed for team success. His ability to adapt and contribute in different ways made him a reliable asset for Dallas, especially during crucial moments in games. During his tenure with the Mavericks, Powell and Dončić frequently ran pick-and-roll plays together, forming a well-oiled offensive duo. That chemistry, built over hundreds of games, gives Powell a unique perspective on how Dončić operates on the court, something that could translate directly to a Lakers roster potentially featuring the Slovenian guard. The Lakers would benefit from having someone who understands Dončić’s decision-making patterns, movement off the ball, and overall game flow, particularly in a supporting role. Despite his age and lack of recent team affiliation, Powell remains an unrestricted free agent and has yet to sign with any club. His availability makes him an intriguing candidate for teams looking for depth and experience, even if his physical output might not match that of younger players. For the Lakers, however, his value lies less in his current production and more in his ability to complement a core player like Dončić, assuming such a move were to happen. The Lakers' pursuit of Powell highlights their ongoing efforts to build a balanced roster capable of competing at the highest level. While they have already added young talent through the draft and free agency, they continue to seek veteran presence that can provide stability and mentorship. Powell’s experience in the Western Conference, combined with his history working with a top-tier point guard, aligns with the kind of depth the Lakers aim to achieve. As the 2026/27 season approaches, the Lakers will likely evaluate multiple options for their frontcourt, balancing youth with experience. Whether Powell ends up joining them depends largely on whether he finds a suitable opportunity elsewhere, as well as the Lakers’ long-term vision for their roster. For now, his name remains among the possibilities as the team continues its search for the right fit.