The Los Angeles Lakers have already had one of the busiest offseasons in the NBA. LeBron James’ exit was the official signal to Luka Doncic as the face of the franchise, and general manager Rob Pelinka immediately got to work. 

After James informed the franchise he wasn’t going to return for the 2026-27 season, the Lakers acquired Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz. L.A. subsequently added Colin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and most recently Ziaire Williams. The team now remains heavily involved in the Jonathan Kuminga sweepstakes. 

Apparently, Pelinka isn’t finished just yet.

One proposed three-team trade would give the Lakers win-now piece to pair alongside Doncic (Because if you’re building around Luka, why stop at one splash?)

Lakers Pair Luka Doncic With Five-Time All-Star

GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 19: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring a three-pointer against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center on March 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

In a hypothetical scenario, the Lakers would acquire five-time All-Star Klay Thompson, the Minnesota Timberwolves receive Jarred Vanderbilt and the Mavericks land Donte DiVincenzo.

Thompson might be what a lot of younger fans like to label “washed,” but he remains one of the NBA’s best shooters. After losing Rui Hachimura, who shot nearly 60% from 3 in the 2026 playoffs, the Lakers could use a Thompson-level shooter next to Doncic. The move would also continue the Lakers’ offseason philosophy of surrounding Doncic with veterans who figure to be worthy fits. 

Funny enough, Thompson, according to reports, was considering joining the Lakers in the 2024 offseason. But he ultimately chose to play with Doncic in Dallas. If this trade were to happen, Thompson would get Los Angeles as well as playing with Doncic again … and maybe this time Doncic won’t get traded before the midseason deadline.

Klay Won’t Make L.A. The Favorite, But He’s Worth it at the Right Price

GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 10: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts following the Atlanta Hawks 124-112 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at State Farm Arena on March 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

According to NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, the Mavs are showing interest in trading Thompson. It is unclear what kind of return Dallas is seeking for the 36-year-old former All-Star, but one would figure it wouldn’t be a king’s ransom.

Last season, Thompson registered a shade under 12 points per game along with a 38.3% 3-point percentage. Those numbers rival what Hachimura — who signed with the cross-town rival Clippers earlier this offseason — produced for the Lakers last season.

Thompson isn’t the same player who helped the Golden State Warriors win four NBA championships. (That guy was scoring 60 points on more deflections than dribbles!) Injuries and age have taken their toll, and expecting him to consistently resemble the player from his prime would be unrealistic. The Lakers wouldn’t need him to be.

With Doncic orchestrating the offense and the rest of the supporting cast handling complementary roles, Thompson could find an impactful role off the bench as a knockdown shooter and someone Doncic can use as leverage to hunt 1-on-1 opportunities. 

So would the Wolves and Mavs agree to this proposed trade? 

Minnesota would reunite with Vanderbilt, someone who rose as a fan-favorite in his time with the franchise before arriving in L.A. via trade. Dallas, meanwhile, might be content with replacing Thompson with a younger sharpshooter in DiVincenzo, though he’ll likely miss the 2026-27 season because of a torn Achilles tendon. 

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Formerly popular Los Angeles Lakers star Rui Hachimura made a bold move picking the rival Los Angeles Clippers over them in free agency. The Lakers opted to prioritize other free agents, and it became apparent that Hachimura would not be on the team for next season. However, no one expected him to pick the rival team in the same city until rumors started circulating about the Clippers’ interest.

Hachimura revealed one thing that he feels the Clippers do better than the Lakers when explaining his excitement for the upcoming season:

“I’ve spoken with the Clippers coaching staff, and they want me to shoot my three-pointers, of course. But also do more cutting. In my final year with the Lakers, I couldn’t really do those cuts due to our team situation.

So, they told me they want me to do more of that, which makes me really happy. I also want to focus on rebounding, grabbing the board, and pushing the pace. Like I used to back in the day. I think I can contribute in a lot of different ways.”

Hachimura referenced in the game scenarios and coaching philosophies that he believes will help his career. The Lakers used him in a limited role due to the other stars on their roster, but the Clippers have more room to see Hachimura contribute to a bigger NBA role.

Was Rui Hachimura Throwing Shade At JJ Redick?

The overall point made by Hachimura could be skewed as criticism towards Lakers head coach JJ Redick. An offense led by superstars Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James meant that Hachimura and other role players would have limitations in their roles.

Hachimura essentially turned into a three-point shooter on offense known for his ability to hit open shots led by the other stars setting him up. Previous situations with the Washington Wizards and his college career saw Hachimura scoring through more diverse manners than just the outside shot.

Clippers head coach Ty Lue has already empowered Hachimura to believe he will have a more versatile role in the offense. Redick can’t be blamed too much due to the Lakers having a much different roster than the Clippers and finding success from Hachimura for the team results this past season.

Could Rui Hachimura Be Better For Clippers?

The Lakers had to pick and choose which players were more important to their future this offseason. Reaves getting a big contract extension and trading for center Walker Kessler were the two biggest moves that saw Hachimura losing his chance of a return at a fair contract price.

The Clippers should see Hachimura doing more things on offense and it should see him contributing in a new manner. Cuts will see All-Star guard Darius Garland looking for Hachimura to score easier baskets within the flow of the offense rather than standing in the corner.

The Lakers could come off looking bad if the rival team in their city gets more out of Hachimura than they did. Winning remains the most important thing for both teams so Rui must prove his worth there to make a difference.

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Los Angeles Lakers first-round draft pick Cameron Carr is already looking like a total steal and someone who could end up becoming a real star.

Carr was taken with the No. 24 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, after the Lakers traded up one spot to get him over the New York Knicks.

His range, according to most draft experts, was more or less in the late first round, around the late teens and early 20s.

However, his level of play has been extremely impressive, immediately standing out as one of the best players in the Summer League.

Carr, on Tuesday, July 14th, scored 23 points against the Clippers, grabbing one rebound, and dishing two assists and a block. He went 8-for-18 from the field, an understandable percentage given how Summer League tends to be a high-volume exercise.

In the opener against Oklahoma City, he had another good game, scoring 18 points, going 7-for-13 from the field.

Cameron Carr’s moment

Following Tuesday’s game, Carr was interviewed in the postgame and highlighted how hard he had been working by noting his hair was not done up too well.

“Gotta get some new braids. I aint no pretty boy, I’m here to play basketball!” he said.

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Carr’s interview did not end on that comment; he said that he wants to win the entire tournament.

“We get better every single game,” Carr added in his postgame interview on Prime. “We get more and more connected every single game. We’re here to win it. We’re not here to play around. We’re here to win it. That’s what we came to do. Job not done.”

He missed the Lakers’ second summer league game due to a thumb contusion, but upon his return, Carr looked as if he had not missed a beat and felt comfortable on the court.

“I feel good. Another opportunity to step on the court,” Carr said. “It’s a blessing just to get the opportunity to play with the guys I’m around and get better.”

The Lakers play again on Thursday, July 16th, against the Chicago Bulls, with the game starting at 3 p.m. It will be streaming on Prime Video.

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Rumors have started to fill up free agency while the NBA world continues to wait for the answer from LeBron James in free agency.

James, 41, will be joining a new team this offseason, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported at the start of free agency. The former Lakers superstar has already decided that he won’t be rejoining Los Angeles.

This has raised a growing question regarding LeBron’s son and teammate, Bronny James. The 21-year-old remains on the Lakers roster despite rumors of him following in his father’s footsteps. The Athletic’s Dan Woike has shut down these rumors.

“While LeBron and Bronny playing together as teammates was one of the more incredible storylines following the 2024 NBA Draft, assumptions that the father and son staying linked going forward are false, according to league sources who were granted anonymity to discuss front-office strategies,” the insider wrote. “LeBron’s departure from the Lakers after eight seasons isn’t viewed as anything related to Bronny’s standing with the team.”

Lakers Guarantee Bronny James’ Contract for 2026-27 Season

GettyThe Los Angeles Lakers elected to fully guarantee Bronny James’ $2.3 million salary for the 2026-27 season. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

Heading into the offseason, the Lakers had the option to waive Bronny James and his $2.3 million salary for the 2026-27 season. Los Angeles decided to commit to the 21-year-old by fully guaranteeing James’ contract.

Bronny James will make $2.3 million in 2026-27.

James has continued to make steps forward since getting drafted into the NBA in 2024. His usage in JJ Redick’s rotation has gone up each year. Through 42 games (one start) last season, James averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists per game on 40.9/38.6/85.7 shooting splits.

With James continuing to improve, “he might be too good for the G League as he heads into his third professional season,” Dan Woike added.

In a revamped Lakers squad, Bronny James will look to compete for playing time alongside other Los Angeles guards. This includes Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and 2026 first-round pick Cameron Carr.

Lakers Make Offseason Moves Post-LeBron James Era

GettySince learning that LeBron James won’t be returning, the Los Angeles Lakers have made multiple roster moves this offseason. This includes the sign-and-trade of center Walker Kessler and adding multiple pieces in free agency. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

Since learning that LeBron James won’t be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers next season, the franchise has made quick work of improving its roster.

Los Angeles’ biggest move so far this summer included a sign-and-trade deal for center Walker Kessler. After failing to strike a deal with the Utah Jazz, the Lakers sent multiple first-round picks to Utah to land Kessler, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.

On the same day, July 1, Los Angeles agreed to contracts with free agents Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton.

On top of this, Los Angeles has added Kevon Looney and Ziaire Williams in free agency and traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy.

The Los Angeles Lakers lost Marcus Smart to the Houston Rockets and Rui Hachimura to the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency. These moves marked their biggest losses this summer.

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The Los Angeles Lakers will look very different next season after losing multiple key players in free agency this summer.

One new addition to the Lakers’ squad is former Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. He secured a four-year, $129.5 million with Los Angeles as part of a sign-and-trade agreement with the Jazz.

The contract is a great deal for Kessler, who will earn an average annual salary of $32.5 million. But the contract was named one of the worst team deals to be signed this summer.

Ben Rohrbach of Yahoo Sports explained how the Lakers took a big risk giving up two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Jazz to acquire Kessler. By doing this, the Lakers will have to rely on Kessler to perform well and will no longer have the future assets that could help them thrive in the Luka Doncic era.

Kessler played just five games for the Jazz last season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn left labrum. His 2024-25 season was also cut short by his same left shoulder.

The Lakers are hoping Kessler can match or exceed how he performed between injuries. During that time, Kessler averaged 11.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.8 assists in 30.1 minutes per game.

“It is all just hope. We have not seen it from Kessler,” Rohrbach wrote. “A similar sentiment could be said about the deals for Reaves, Grimes, Mamukelashvili and Sexton. The Lakers, as always, are banking on a lot of things going right for them to be able to compete, only now they have given away the assets they might need in the likely event something goes wrong.”

Kessler Is Determined To Excel For the Lakers

Kessler still has a lot to prove in his first season with the Lakers. The 2022 first-round pick said the franchise’s belief in him makes him determined to succeed for the team.

“It makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you,” Kessler said, per ESPN. “With what [the Lakers] have invested, they’re showing that belief, in a monetary value. Not just with money, but in [draft] assets. If I know they have that belief in me, I’m going to run through a brick wall for them. That’s how I’ve been wired my whole life.”

Photo Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

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Christian Wood is coming off a season where he was not with an NBA team.

The former UNLV star most recently played in the league during the 2023-24 season when he was with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He finished that season with averages of 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per contest while shooting 46.6% from the field and 30.7% from three-point range in 50 games (one start).

GettyChristian Wood #35 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on October 29, 2023 in Sacramento, California.

As of July 14, Wood still remains a free agent who is available to sign with any team in the league.

He was waived by the Lakers on February 11, 2025.

Looking At Wood’s NBA Career

GettyChristian Wood #35 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Moda Center on November 17, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

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The Los Angeles Lakers signed forward Ziaire Williams to a one-year, $3 million deal in free agency, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. Williams spent the last two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and the first three of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Williams averaged 10.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 56 games last season with the Nets. After losing forwards LeBron James and Rui Hachimura this offseason, the Lakers’ frontcourt will look different with Williams in it next season.

Williams, who will turn 25 in September, was the No. 10 overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2021 NBA Draft. He is also a Los Angeles native and played at Sierra Canyon alongside Bronny James in high school.

In addition to Williams, the Lakers re-signed Austin Reaves to a four-year, $180 million contract. Los Angeles also acquired new players Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes and Kevon Looney this summer.

Lakers Still Pursuing Jonathan Kuminga

Even though Williams gives the Lakers a full 15-man roster, Los Angeles is still expected to pursue Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga in free agency. The Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option on June 29, making him a free agent this offseason.

Kuminga averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 36 games with the Hawks and Golden State Warriors. He suffered a bone bruise in late January that caused him to miss a month of the season.

When he returned, the Warriors traded him to the Hawks in February.

In order to make space for Kuminga, the Lakers could complete a sign-and-trade deal with the Hawks or waive one of the players currently on the roster.

Photo Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

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A new survey of NBA executives suggests LeBron James is more likely to pass on a return to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers than many expect, with one rival contender emerging as the leading destination.

The survey’s results directly challenge the growing belief that a Cavaliers reunion is inevitable—and reveal why league insiders see the race very differently.

That leading rival, according to Front Office Sports‘ survey of NBA executives, is the Golden State Warriors. Multiple Western Conference executives told the outlet they expect James to sign there over Cleveland for his 24th pro season, even with prediction markets and podcaster Bill Simmons treating a Cavaliers return as a “done deal.” One league source still expects Cleveland, but the consensus among those polled is that James lands with one of the two.

“I would be stunned if he picked a team that wasn’t Golden State or Cleveland,” one executive said, as quoted by Front Office Sports.

Read More From Heavy

LeBron James Report Takes Surprising Turn: Lakers Insider

LeBron James’ Fit With Warriors Outweighs Cavaliers Nostalgia

The basketball case for Golden State centers on Stephen Curry. Executives view James alongside Curry as a cleaner fit than slotting back in with Cleveland’s current core of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Proximity to James’ family in Los Angeles factors in too, according to one exec who spoke to the outlet.

James is also weighing the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets, though the field has narrowed to Golden State and Cleveland in the views of most executives polled.

James and Curry have combined for eight championships and met four times in the Finals, most memorably in 2016, when James rallied Cleveland from a 3-1 deficit to beat Curry’s Warriors, still the only such comeback in Finals history.

“You can’t call this ring-chasing,” one executive told FOS. “LeBron is 41 and Steph is 38. This is an attempt to see if the old guard can get one last title.”

Read More From Heavy

LeBron James Sparks Wild Celtics Rumor After Lakers Exit: Report

Bronny Adds Wrinkle To LeBron Free Agency

Complicating matters is Bronny James. The 21-year-old just wrapped his second Lakers season, and his $2.2 million salary for next year was guaranteed on June 29, the day before his father’s split from Los Angeles became public. Multiple front offices in the sweepstakes have already discussed trading for Bronny if his father signs there.

“We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t discuss it,” one executive said. Whether the elder James would want a trade for his son remains unclear.

The younger James’ rookie-scale contract and clear on-court improvement give the Lakers reason to hang onto him as the roster gets younger and cheaper around Dončić. Still, if the elder James wants to keep playing alongside his son, that preference could scramble whatever front office ends up negotiating with him.

James informed the Lakers through agent Rich Paul that he would not return, ending an eight-year run that included a 2020 championship won inside the NBA’s “bubble” during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

Paul later said the pursuit of “complete happiness” drove the decision, as quoted by Yahoo Sports. The move also freed roughly $52.6 million in cap space the Lakers plan to redirect into a rebuild around Dončić and Austin Reaves.

James enters free agency at 41 as a four-time MVP and 22-time All-Star still productive enough to headline a market that’s otherwise sorted itself out. He’s already played two stints in Cleveland and four years in Miami, making Golden State one contender whose jersey he has never worn. No final decision had been announced as of Monday, July 13.

Read More From Heavy

LeBron James Linked to Surprise Team if Lakers Era Ends in Free Agency: Report

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Jalen Hood-Schifino was once an intriguing prospect that the Los Angeles Lakers selected with the 17th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

He is coming off a year where he did not play in the NBA.

As of July 13, Hood-Schifino still remains a free agent who is available to sign with any team in the league.

Looking At Hood-Schifino

GettyHead coach Darvin Ham talks with Jalen Hood-Schifino #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of play against the Sacramento Kings at Honda Center on October 11, 2023 in Anaheim, California.

Hood-Schifino played one season of college basketball at Indiana (2022-23).

He finished that year with averages of 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per contest while shooting 41.7% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range in 32 games.

Jonathan Givony wrote (on March 31, 2023): “Hood-Schifino fits a prototype for what every NBA team is looking for as a big, ballhandling lead guard with versatile shot-making prowess, live-dribble playmaking creativity and defensive toughness, standing 6-foot-5 with a strong frame and a 6-foot-10 wingspan.”

GettyJalen Hood-Schifino #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers dribbles against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament at United Center on March 11, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

While there were high hopes, Hood-Schifino did not work out in Los Angeles.

He averaged 1.7 points per contest while shooting 23.9% from the field in 23 games.

The Lakers traded him to the Utah Jazz in 2025 (and he was waived).

GettyJalen Hood-Schifino #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on December 01, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Hood-Schifino then had a brief stint with the Philadelphia 76ers to finish the 2024-25 season.

He averaged 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest while shooting 37.1% from the field in 13 games.

On March 16, 2025, Hood-Schifino put up 19 points while shooting 5/9 from three-point range in 23 minutes for the 76ers.

GettyJalen Hood-Schifino #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers watches a three pointer go in the basket during the second half of the NBA Summer League game against the Utah Jazz at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on July 5, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

It will be interesting to see if Hood-Schifino is able to get another opportunity for the 2026-27 season.

He is still just 23.

Looking At The Lakers

The Lakers are coming off a year where they were the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 53-29 record.

They got swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

JJ Redick is going into his third season at the helm.

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Several analysts believe second-year wing Adou Thiero could become a key piece of the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation this coming season. Even former Lakers star LeBron James seems to agree with that bold prediction.

Over the weekend, the Lakers’ IG account posted highlights of Thiero’s explosive dunks in the Summer League with the caption, “Welcome to the Adou Thiero show.” James liked the post, suggesting that he’s a fan of the explosive young forward.

LeBron James Backs Rising Lakers Star

Thiero played only a total of 149 minutes across 25 games for the Lakers last season — most of which came in garbage time. However, he is primed to see a substantial change in his role this coming season, especially in the wake of the departures of LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton.

The 22-year-old is ready to seize his moment.

“Just trying to go out there and cause havoc,” Thiero said on Saturday after back-to-back games in which he showed off his potential in the Las Vegas Summer League.

“JJ [Redick], he says the things he wants, we need a point-of-attack, on-ball defender and everything. So, just trying to go out there and be that, trying to get the reps and defending and then, offensively, just trying to play basketball, just trying to make the game more simple for myself,” he added, via LakersNation.

Adou Thiero Shines for Lakers

Thiero finished with a game-high 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks in Friday’s 96-84 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He followed it up with another 15 points on Saturday, while also excelling on the defensive end.

“I feel like I was capable of doing this,” Thiero said, reflecting on his rookie season when he spent most of his time with the South Bay Lakers.

“It’s not different from things I was doing in the G League last year,” he continued. “I feel like I got real comfortable in the G League, how to play and everything and just took that break and still trying to get back to healthy and everything and finally getting to go out and play. I just feel like I sped myself up a little bit and now I’m slowing down and letting the game come to me.”

Thiero also feels the departures of James and Hachimura work in his favor. During last season’s playoff run, the Lakers started a unit of Ayton, James, Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard due to the injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. All those five starters have since departed the team, a fact that encourages Thiero.

“It’s going to be different but that’s not what I’m really focused on right now,” he said of the new-look Lakers, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “This is the team I’m with right now, so I’m focused on getting better, getting better with this group of guys.”

Meanwhile, LeBron James’ free agency decision is expected to come imminently, with insiders predicting the 41-year-old to join either the Cleveland Cavaliers or Golden State Warriors. It’s unknown if James will retire after the 2026-27 season.

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The Los Angeles Lakers continue to monitor all angles in trade and the open market to further complete their post-LeBron James transition.

One proposed trade has them landing versatile wing Devin Vassell from the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers would be engaging in a direct trade for this to work. 

In the trade framework, the Lakers would acquire Vassell while sending out Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy and Bronny James to San Antonio. 

This deal would move Vassell away from San Antonio for the first time in his NBA career since being drafted No. 11 overall in 2020. 

While the Lakers have done decent business so far in the offseason, surrounding Luka Doncic with the best pieces is still a work in progress.

Lakers’ Bronny James Trade Lands Spurs Wing

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 21: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before a season opening game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

The Lakers are reportedly opening up some roster slots for more incoming players this offseason. This means that a number of their players are trade chips as things stand. Vanderbilt is a notable one, sitting on a salary of $12.4 million for 2026-27. 

Vanderbilt has been a solid contributor, but the Lakers have always had him as a moving piece for any major swing. Hardy just joined from the Washington Wizards as part of the DeAndre Ayton trade and is a low-cost depth option.

For James, the Lakers guaranteed his salary for 2026-27 at $2.3 million, which also makes him an inexpensive rotational piece. However, staying in L.A. when his immediate impact is not yet sure looks unlikely, coupled with his father’s departure. 

Vassell is still committed to San Antonio, having signed a five-year, $135 million extension in 2023. The Lakers’ outgoing pieces will fall a little short of matching his salary, but not so seriously as to affect the cap space. 

If San Antonio sees it fit to clear Vassell’s deal for much more flexibility, this framework can work. Although the Lakers may have to include a future draft asset to further sweeten the deal, the wing was a vital contributor to a Spurs roster that made the NBA Finals.

Flipping three pieces for one would mean that Los Angeles would continue its search to fill the roster spot. The front office has already shown that they’ll explore a lot of free agency signings. Veteran center Kevon Looney recently signed a one-year deal as a backup center. 

Vassell’s Addition Boosts Lakers’ Perimeter Options and Fit

GettySAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 04: Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after missing a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at Frost Bank Center on April 04, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.

The Lakers have been reportedly linked with several wing options this offseason. With James gone as well as Rui Hachimura, their wing depth has thinned to the extent of having Quentin Grimes as the current starting small forward. He is more naturally a guard. 

At 6-foot-5, Vassell is also technically listed as a guard but is also a small forward and would bring versatility to the wings. At 25, he is still young but quite seasoned, guaranteeing a long-term, consistent contribution.

He does have secondary scoring and creation potential, which was evident with the arrival of Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. However, his numbers have dropped with backcourt players like De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle joining the fold.

Vassell would improve L.A.’s perimeter defense as well as stretch the floor for stars like Doncic and Austin Reaves to explore spaces. 

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The Los Angeles Lakers are positioned to make a swing for a wing addition this offseason. With LeBron James and Rui Hachimura gone, L.A.’s small forward position has been left vacant for now.

One name that has been linked as a target is Denver Nuggets star, Peyton Watson. The young versatile wing has come up as one of the options in free agency and has gained interest around the league.

In a hypothetical scenario, the Lakers would acquire Watson through sign and trade and send out Jarred Vanderbilt, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy to Denver, along with a 2032 first-round pick swap and two second-round picks (2031 and 2032 via Washington Wizards).

The Lakers have focused on more attainable additions in recent weeks. The franchise may be open to revisiting links with Watson and putting forward an offer to the Nuggets. 

Lakers’ Peyton Watson Sign-and-Trade Package

GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 22: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets grabs a rebound against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Watson, 23, is not a regular free agent. The Nuggets tendered a qualifying offer on his expiring deal to make him a restricted free agent. This means that they are open to match any offer that comes his way. However, a sign and trade scenario is not totally undoable.

Watson’s camp is reportedly seeking a salary in the annual range of over $20 million. With Denver’s current cap constraints and repeater tax concerns, taking on such a deal over a projected four-year span is almost unfeasible.

The Lakers can open up a much-needed space to accommodate Watson while sending out pieces with lesser long-term commitments to Denver. Vanderbilt has two years left in his contract with a player option for 2027-28. Hardy also has a player option for that same season with a lesser salary of $6 million. 

Knecht’s deal also runs out in 2027-28, after which he becomes a restricted free agent, while James’ salary was guaranteed at $2.3 million for 2026-27. This gives the Nuggets a chance to have future flexibility instead of another long-term commitment. 

The Lakers would also give up draft assets in this deal as a sweetener. The future first in 2032 is one of their more valuable draft chips at the moment and they could play that card to get an immediate two-way talent. 

Watson Makes a Strong Case as an Upgrade

GettyThe Nuggets have set a massive price to pry Peyton Watson away from Denver.

Watson just completed a breakout season in Denver. His number jumped significantly after he spent his first three years integrating into the league. He averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in 54 games played. He also shot 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from beyond the arc.

Watson had more starting roles due to injuries, most notably to Aaron Gordon. He took his chance well, which is why the Nuggets want him to remain. His trajectory could be an upgrade for the Lakers in their wing position.

Watson also started from a winning culture as a rookie in the Nuggets’ 2023 title run. Although he sparingly played, staying around that strong core helped raise his ceiling, which came out when he was handed more consistent starting minutes. 

Watson would offer greater defensive upside and playmaking growth compared to Hachimura. He thrived off-ball alongside stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. This means he would have a smooth transition with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. 

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