Isaiah Stewart could be on the trade block.
The Los Angeles Lakers are in search of a center upgrade this offseason to better support Luka Doncic and push for a championship. A surprising opportunity may have just emerged in Detroit.
Isaiah Stewart’s limited role in the Pistons’ must-win Game 6 has opened the door for a potential trade. The 24-year-old big man played just four minutes as head coach JB Bickerstaff turned to the hot hand of Paul Reed. Reed delivered with 17 points, six rebounds, and one block in 16 minutes, helping secure the victory in Cleveland. While Detroit advanced, Stewart’s benching in a critical moment signals a shift in the rotation that could make him available.
A proven impact player ready for a bigger stage
Stewart is no longer the fiery youngster best remembered by Lakers fans for his scuffle with LeBron James. He has evolved into an elite defender who elevates his team on both ends of the floor. This season, he averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 22.7 minutes per game. He finished seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting and boasts a career 34.3 percent mark from beyond the arc.
Defensively, Stewart stands out as exactly the type of rim protector and rebounder the Lakers desperately need. In the playoffs, Detroit posted a stellar 96.8 defensive rating during his 155 minutes on the floor. The Pistons have also been 3.2 points per 100 possessions better with Stewart in the game, underscoring his positive impact even in a reduced role.
For a Lakers team that has relied on Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, Stewart would represent a significant upgrade in physicality, defensive versatility, and energy. At 6’8”, he brings toughness and athleticism that could stabilize the frontcourt alongside established stars.
Fit with Luka and realistic limitations
The fit isn’t perfect on offense. Stewart has struggled as a roll man, producing just 1.04 points per possession in those situations — below league average. He is not yet an elite interior finisher and remains a below-average three-point shooter overall. However, playing alongside Luka Doncic could unlock new dimensions of his game. Doncic has a proven ability to elevate teammates, particularly bigs who can set screens, finish opportunistically, and stretch the floor.
A larger role in a championship-contending environment, with Luka orchestrating the offense, may encourage Stewart to embrace a complementary identity focused on defense, rebounding, and smart spacing. The Lakers could deploy him in a center tandem, giving head coach JJ Redick valuable tactical flexibility in playoff series.
Contract and acquisition outlook
Financially, Stewart fits neatly into the Lakers’ plans. He is set to earn $15 million next season with a $15 million team option for 2027-28. This manageable deal makes him an attractive buy-low candidate, especially if the Pistons are reevaluating their frontcourt priorities after Jalen Duren’s postseason struggles.
While many Lakers fans eyed Duren as a target, his playoff performance has cooled expectations, and his projected max-level extension would be difficult to justify unless he takes a major leap. Stewart offers a more realistic and immediate solution without the financial overcommitment.
Time for Rob Pelinka to make the call
The Pistons’ Game 6 win may have closed one chapter for Detroit’s season but cracked open a window for the Lakers. With Ayton clearly not the long-term answer and premium center options limited in free agency, buying low on a motivated, defense-first big like Isaiah Stewart makes strong strategic sense.
Rob Pelinka should be proactive in reaching out to Detroit. A well-constructed package centered around future assets or role players could be enough to land Stewart and immediately upgrade the Lakers’ interior presence. In a conference where rim protection and rebounding remain premium commodities, “Beef Stew” could provide the grit and defensive anchor LA needs to better support Luka Doncic’s championship ambitions.
The door is open — now it’s up to the Lakers to walk through it.