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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The Los Angeles Lakers are currently looking at Jonathan Kuminga as the top forward option in free agency. Unfortunately for the Lakers, Kuminga is requesting more money than they can afford or are looking to invest in him. One noteworthy name has emerged as a true “backup plan” for potentially missing out on Kuminga via the free agent market at an affordable price.

Former Denver Nuggets champion role player Bruce Brown has emerged as the top backup plan for the Lakers. Sports illustrated’s Ryan Ward reported the following about the Lakers current plan:

“There’s mutual interest between Kuminga and the Lakers, and the Hawks are open to a deal, but Kuminga’s contract demands could be a problem that ends Los Angeles’ pursuit. Bruce Brown isn’t a bad option. He doesn’t bring the size that Kuminga or [Robert Williams] do, but Brown has championship experience, along with being a decent rebounder and defender, and can be another reliable ball handler off the bench.”

Brown only becomes a priority to the Lakers in free agency if they officially give up on the chase to acquire Kuminga. The current free agent market sees Brown without a clear path. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka may be able to acquire Brown at a minimum contract to make him a better value than Kuminga.

How The Lakers Can Still Get Jonathan Kuminga

The Lakers are still hoping to acquire Kuminga as the biggest forward on the free agent market and for the highest upside of all available names. Kuminga will have to work out a sign and trade with the Atlanta Hawks or let his former team completely renounce him once the Lakers make an offer in this scenario

Atlanta does not seem seriously interested in keeping Kuminga unless he and his agent drop their current asking price. The Golden State Warriors traded Kuminga to the Hawks this past deadline after a controversial end to his tenure with the team.

One concern for the Lakers would be that two teams passed on keeping the young promising forward within the past season alone. Multiple teams not believing in Kuminga’s ability to harness that talent into NBA success could create concern to avoid paying him a noteworthy contract.

The Process Of Getting Bruce Brown

The current plan of Brown and his team appears to be to let free agency play out and wait until teams are desperate to add one more forward. Brown contributed to the Nuggets winning the 2023 NBA championship and was more recently a role player for last year’s playoff team as well.

Good teams will value having a player like Brown on their roster especially if they need another rotation player. Brown and his camp fully expect the Lakers and other contending teams to look at him once they run out of more expensive options.

The price will likely be affordable to see the Lakers reaching out the second after they give up on Kuminga chase. Other hopeful contending rosters lacking depth like the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics may easily enter the race to make it more difficult for the Lakers if they wait too long.

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The Los Angeles Lakers may believe P.J. Washington is an ideal fit next to Luka Dončić.

The Dallas Mavericks, however, appear to have little urgency to move him.

Speaking Friday during Bleacher Report’s NBA Summer League livestream, NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer responded to a viewer’s question about Washington and indicated that while Dallas is willing to listen to offers, the Mavericks would likely prefer to move other veterans before parting with the versatile forward.

“If the Mavs could operate at their preference,” Stein said, “it would be trading one of those two,” referring to Daniel Gafford and Klay Thompson.

That distinction could prove significant for the Lakers as they continue searching for another starting-caliber forward after spending much of the offseason pursuing Jonathan Kuminga.

Washington Isn’t Untouchable

Stein made clear that Washington is not off limits.

Instead, he believes Dallas will continue listening to inquiries involving the veteran forward.

“If you want to discuss a Daniel Gafford trade or a Klay Thompson trade,” Stein said, “and in mid-June, I was told with P.J. Washington as well, I have to believe they will field all that interest.”

The only Mavericks player Stein identified as unavailable is Kyrie Irving, noting Dallas has repeatedly told rival teams he is not on the market.

Outside of 2025 No. 1 overall pick and Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, Irving is the only player Stein said the Mavericks have explicitly refused to discuss.

That leaves Washington in a different category.

Dallas appears willing to entertain calls, even if moving him is not the organization’s preferred outcome.

Dončić’s Relationship With Washington Still Stands Out

Getty PJ Washington remains one of the most intriguing trade alternatives for the Lakers because of his familiarity with Luka Dončić, although his long-term contract could complicate any pursuit.

When asked whether the Lakers could pivot to Washington if they are unable to land Kuminga, Stein said he needed to do more reporting.

Before he could elaborate, Fischer offered one notable observation.

“We do know that Luka likes P.J. Washington,” Fischer said.

Stein quickly expanded on that thought.

“The best P.J. Washington has ever played was at Luka’s side.”

The comments carry added significance given the pair’s history together.

After Washington arrived from the Charlotte Hornets at the 2024 trade deadline, he quickly developed into one of Dončić’s most trusted frontcourt partners, helping the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals before falling to the Boston Celtics in five games.

Washington averaged 13.0 points and 6.6 rebounds during that postseason run while providing the floor spacing, rebounding and defensive versatility that complemented Dončić’s offensive brilliance.

It’s easy to understand why the Lakers would see value in recreating that partnership.

Lakers May Lack the Assets

The challenge, however, extends beyond Dallas’ willingness to listen.

It also comes down to price.

Stein revealed the Mavericks sought a first-round pick for Gafford before the February trade deadline, though no team ultimately met that asking price.

If Dallas valued Gafford at that level, it naturally raises the question of what the Mavericks would demand for Washington—a younger starting forward they appear even less inclined to move.

That presents another obstacle for Los Angeles.

After reshaping the roster this offseason, the Lakers’ remaining draft capital is limited to a 2032 first-round pick swap and three second-round picks.

Compared to other teams capable of putting multiple first-round picks on the table, Los Angeles has relatively little flexibility.

Washington, meanwhile, is entering the first season of a four-year, $88.8 million extension after averaging 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks in 56 games last season.

Lakers insider Jovan Buha recently argued Washington would be a better long-term fit than Kuminga because he is already an established two-way starter entering his prime.

The fit alongside Dončić remains obvious.

The latest reporting suggests the larger question is whether the Lakers possess enough assets to convince Dallas to part with one of the few players who isn’t untouchable—but whom the Mavericks still appear to value highly.

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The absence of Bronny James from Summer League this offseason has Los Angeles Lakers fans wondering if this is a negative sign for his future with the franchise. Young players often play in Summer League to further develop against equal talent and to earn a spot for the upcoming season. Bronny playing two seasons in the NBA passed the threshold where most rookies and sophomores suit up for Summer League.

Sporting News’ Billy Heyen revealed that Bronny’s guaranteed contract made it less realistic he’d take part in the offseason games:

“For one, it’s not clear the development it would give to Bronny at this point. He’s proven he can play in the G League, and even in spot minutes in the NBA. He’d perform well in Summer League, but it makes more sense for the Lakers to give minutes to other potential developmental pieces.

Bronny also recently had his contract fully guaranteed at $2.3 million for the 2026-27 season. He isn’t competing for a roster spot, so the Lakers will give the summer action to players who still are battling.”

LeBron James planning to leave the Lakers as a free agent this offseason creates questions about Bronny and if he’ll get traded to his father’s next destination. However, Bronny’s Summer League status should not be linked to that. The contract of Bronny confirms he won’t be competing for a roster spot, unless the Lakers are planning to waive him.

Bronny’s G League Success Answered Questions

Another reason for Bronny electing to skip Summer League goes back to some of his greatest success last season. Bronny had some outstanding performances in the G-League putting up great stats and contributing to winning basketball.

There is no reason for Bronny to compete against fellow young talent after he thrived in the NBA’s development league with both young prospects and veterans looking for one more chance. Other young talents have more incentive to play in Summer League.

The Lakers are prioritizing rookie Cameron Carr and a few other prospects this summer to see what they have from their younger talents before training camp. Bronny would also create more of a media circus since his secondary games get high-profile coverage as LeBron’s son.

Could The Lakers Trade Bronny James?

Bronny may still get traded this offseason, but the Summer League will have nothing to do with that decision. The thought is not crazy that the Lakers would want to move on from Bronny without his dad on the roster and just trade him to LeBron’s next team.

Reports have stated that the Lakers would likely just want a second-round draft pick to move Bronny’s simple contract of $2.3 million for one more season. Teams who badly want to sign LeBron could easily promise him they’d trade for Bronny to further tempt his desire for a dream retirement run.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat would potentially all go after Bronny as a cheap contract and easy trade target. The price of adding Bronny to appease LeBron and have a chance at title contention is worth it if the Lakers are willing to talk about a deal.

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Jarred Vanderbilt’s future with the Los Angeles Lakers appears increasingly uncertain as the franchise continues searching for a starting-caliber wing to complete its reshaped roster around Luka Dončić.

According to Khobi Price of the California Post, multiple sources said the Lakers have been willing to trade Vanderbilt, along with other players on the roster, to create more roster-building flexibility.

The reporting adds another layer to Los Angeles’ pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga, who remains the team’s top remaining wing target.

Price reported the Atlanta Hawks are willing to discuss a sign-and-trade framework that would send Kuminga to Los Angeles while receiving Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap. That swap is the only first-round draft asset the Lakers can move this summer. They also have three second-round picks available.

The framework reflects the type of package Atlanta would consider, not necessarily a formal offer already made by Los Angeles.

Jarred Vanderbilt Becomes Lakers’ Movable Contract

Getty Jarred Vanderbilt is officially on the trade block as the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for pathways to land Jonathan Kuminga as their starting wing.

Vanderbilt is not viewed as a premium trade asset on his own.

Instead, his contract has become useful because it gives the Lakers one of their few mid-sized salaries to include in a larger deal.

The 27-year-old has two years and $25.7 million remaining on the four-year, $48 million extension he signed in September 2023. He is owed $12.4 million this season and holds a $13.3 million player option for 2027-28.

That salary could help the Lakers match money in a sign-and-trade for Kuminga or in a separate salary-clearing move designed to create room to sign the unrestricted free agent outright.

But moving Vanderbilt may require attaching draft capital.

That has been one of the complications surrounding his market. Last month, The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported there was limited league-wide interest in several Lakers role players, including Vanderbilt, because of their flaws and contract situations.

Defensive Value, Limited Role

Vanderbilt remains one of the Lakers’ better defenders when healthy.

Last season, he averaged 4.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.8 steals in 65 games while playing 17.4 minutes per game.

His value comes from his ability to defend multiple positions, rebound and bring energy without needing offensive touches. But his limited shooting and recurring injuries have made his fit more complicated as the Lakers build around Dončić.

That became clear in the playoffs.

After suffering a finger injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against Oklahoma City, Vanderbilt returned later in the series but played only three minutes in the Lakers’ 115-110 Game 4 loss to the Thunder.

Jonathan Kuminga Remains Lakers’ Top Target

The Lakers have continued pursuing Kuminga because he better fits the profile they have been seeking: size, athleticism, youth and defensive versatility on the wing.

Jovan Buha of Buha’s Block recently said Kuminga remains at the top of the Lakers’ board. NBA insider Jake Fischer and ESPN’s Anthony Slater have also reported Los Angeles’ continued interest.

A sign-and-trade would require Kuminga’s new contract to run at least three or four seasons, excluding option years, with the first season fully guaranteed.

The Lakers previously explored a two-year, $20 million offer, according to the Los Angeles Times’ Broderick Turner, but acquiring him through a sign-and-trade would require a longer commitment.

Lakers Still Searching for Flexibility

The Walker Kessler trade is now official, eliminating one previously discussed possibility of expanding that deal to include Atlanta.

That leaves a direct sign-and-trade or a separate salary-clearing move as the clearest paths for Los Angeles.

Either way, Vanderbilt’s availability shows how aggressively the Lakers are trying to solve their remaining wing problem.

He may not be the player other teams are chasing.

But he could become one of the contracts Los Angeles uses to chase the player it wants.

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