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Lakers Not Done Yet: Blockbuster Trade Expected Soon, per Report…see more…
The Los Angeles Lakers may have more fireworks in store this offseason. According to multiple league sources, the team is actively exploring the trade market and could make a significant move in the coming days. While the Lakers have already made headlines this summer with a handful of roster changes, reports suggest the front office isn’t done shaping the team around superstar LeBron James and rising star Anthony Davis.
The buzz was first reported by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha and later echoed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who indicated that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has been working the phones in pursuit of a deal that would enhance the team’s chances of contending in a stacked Western Conference. “There’s momentum building,” one Western Conference executive told The Athletic. “They want to make a splash.”
Addressing a Flawed Roster
The 2024–25 Lakers had an up-and-down season, finishing with a solid record but struggling with consistency and depth. Their first-round playoff exit exposed issues in perimeter defense, three-point shooting, and playmaking outside of LeBron. Many analysts and fans believe the current roster, as constructed, doesn’t give them enough firepower to compete with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
“We’ve got to make some moves,” LeBron said cryptically during his postseason exit interview in May. “We’re close, but we’re not there.”
It appears the front office agrees.
Key Trade Targets
The Lakers have been linked to several names this offseason, and while no trade is finalized, some players continue to surface in rumors. Among them:
Dejounte Murray (Atlanta Hawks): The Lakers showed interest in Murray at the trade deadline, and sources suggest those conversations have resumed. The two-way guard would bring defense, shot creation, and a running mate for LeBron and AD.
Jerami Grant (Portland Trail Blazers): A long, athletic forward who can space the floor and guard multiple positions. His $30 million salary makes the math tricky, but L.A. could match it with D’Angelo Russell and draft picks.
Bruce Brown (Toronto Raptors): The versatile wing has been on the Lakers’ radar. His contract is movable, and Toronto appears open to dealing him for the right price.
Other options include role players like Buddy Hield, Collin Sexton, or even a surprise name from a team entering a rebuild.
Lakers’ Trade Assets
To make any significant trade, the Lakers will need to leverage what limited assets they have left. Those include:
D’Angelo Russell: He re-signed with the Lakers last summer and holds a $18.7 million contract that could help match salaries in a trade.
Rui Hachimura: Young, talented, and relatively affordable at $17 million per year.
Austin Reaves: While the Lakers have resisted including Reaves in trade talks, a big enough name could change that stance.
2029 and 2031 First-Round Picks: The Lakers can trade two first-round picks outright, plus pick swaps. These distant picks are viewed as highly valuable since the post-LeBron era could be murky.
Young Talent: Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis could be included in a package, though they may not hold strong standalone value.
The Lakers are reportedly prioritizing trades that don’t require parting with Reaves, but that could change if the return justifies the loss.
Timing and Urgency
With Summer League in full swing and training camp less than three months away, urgency is starting to build. League insiders suggest that the Lakers want to finalize a trade before August, giving the team and coaching staff time to integrate any new pieces.
“There’s a sense of urgency, especially with LeBron not getting any younger,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “If they’re going all in for one or two more championship runs, this is the time.”
LeBron will turn 41 during the upcoming season and recently signed a two-year deal to remain in Los Angeles. His commitment signals that he still believes in the Lakers’ title window—if they can get him the right help.
Internal Pressure and Fan Expectations
There’s also pressure from the fanbase and ownership. Jeanie Buss and Pelinka were heavily criticized for inactivity at the 2023 trade deadline and are eager to prove they can build a winner again. The success of the 2020 bubble championship remains fresh in memory, but patience is wearing thin among Lakers faithful.
A poor showing in the playoffs again could mean another wasted year for LeBron—and potentially push him to retire or seek a trade.
“We’re not rebuilding,” Pelinka said at the end of last season. “We’re in win-now mode. Everything we do is with that in mind.”
Potential Fallout
If the Lakers land a major piece, it could mean the departure of fan favorites or young talent. That’s a tough pill for some fans, but many believe it’s a necessary sacrifice.
“It’s a business,” one league insider said. “If you have LeBron and AD healthy, you owe it to them—and to your franchise history—to go all-in.”
Of course, not every trade pans out. The Lakers are also wary of repeating mistakes like the Russell Westbrook acquisition, which cost them depth and flexibility. Any move now must balance immediate impact with long-term ramifications.
What Happens Next?
Expect the rumor mill to keep churning. The Lakers appear to be one of the most aggressive teams in the market, and a trade could drop at any moment. Whether it’s a splashy move for an All-Star or a package of high-level role players remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: the Lakers aren’t standing still.
“We’re not done,” one team source said. “We’ve got something brewing.”
For Lakers fans, the wait may soon be over. An
d for the rest of the league, the warning is clear—don’t count them out just yet.
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