2025-26 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

If Lebron agrees to take the vet minimum to win a championship:

Trade Reaves (41 million), Ayton (8.1), LaRavia (6.0), Knecht (4.2), #24 (3.3), 2031 1st, 2033 1st, 2032 swap to the Bucks for Giannis (54.5) + Turner (26.5).

This trade essentially uses all of our cap-room and all of our future assets, so kind of optimiE everything we have to offer. We get huge value with Lebron taking such a low amount of money.

Lakers then could use the room exception on Smart.

PG: LUKA, SMITH JR, BRONNY
SG: SMART, TRENT JR, HOLIDAY
SF: LEBRON, HACHIMURA, HARDAWAY JR
PF: GIANNIS, THIERO, VANDO
C: TURNER, HAYES, TIMME

 

If Lebron is actually willing to take the vet minimum, Lakers could essentially ask Lebron what team he wants for his final championship run. If unable to get Giannis:

Imagine having 48 million dollars to do this.

-I imagine 32 million or so goes to Watson, since he is with Klutch. This is in the range where it gets really tough for Denver. They agree to sign and trade him for the 2031 1st and 2033 2nd.

-16 million dollars left. Lakers could either look to bolster 3 and D, or the 5. Keon Ellis gives the best combination of shooting and defense, and strengthens the bench, while Robinson provides rim protection, lob catching, and the best starting 5. Another option could be absorbing Lou Dort from OKC, although many are saying OKC won't help us. Dort is the most proven 3 and D threat. Could swap Knecht and the 2033 1st for him. Dort is also a Klutch client, which gives Lebron more incentive to do this.

 

Drum Dawg has turned into 3 pt threat.

 

Thoughts on Porzingis for around $20 million in the offseason?