When La Lakers attempts to revamp the roster around Luka Doncic and Lebron James, they are linked to some interesting names.
The Los Angeles Lakers are already working on the roster for the upcoming season. There’s a lot to do after championship hopes crashes against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Fan excitement surrounding the upcoming season is already beginning to improve. Luka Donsic’s recent training video has thrilled fans, just as the Slovenian is trying to address his fitness and conditioning issues.
Luka Doncic follows Gary Payton’s advice and works. But that’s just one aspect of the Lakers’ plans to break through the previous season.
The Lakers’ main priority is to upgrade the roster and make some big moves to give Don Sic and LeBron James the best chance to compete for the NBA championship. Their playoff exit showed the Lakers lacked a reliable option for the center.
But what players are on the Lakers’ track? We’ve put together the latest on all the potential trade candidates the Lakers are paying attention to.
Earlier this week it was revealed that Jazz was open to trading Walker Kessler. The Lakers have been looking at the big guys for quite some time.
However, the Utah Jazz refused to entertain his talk with Kessler. Eventually, the Jazz held up to the centre past the trade deadline. If the Lakers want Walker Kessler, they have to pay a very big price.
Athletic Jovan Buha said it’s unlikely that the Lakers will match Kessler’s high jazz asking price.
“I don’t know if the Lakers have the assets they need to get Walker Kessler, but I think he’s likely to be available at a reasonable price. I think the price is very high. I don’t know if the Lakers will be able to get to that.”
Danny Einge didn’t know that the Lakers helped them stop trading in the century, but the two countries worked together in Luka Donsic’s trade.
Draymond Green said earlier this year that the Lakers could not trade for the Jazz again. Therefore, Lakers fans hoping to land Walker Kessler should ease their expectations.
If the Lakers can’t get Kessler, why not look for players with a solid playoff experience? According to Anthony IrwinClint Capela is a very high name on the Lakers wish list.
“Clint Capella is considered within reach for $5.7 million, which is why it is expected to be quite expensive on the Lakers target board.”
Capella has been pitched as an option for the Lakers for quite some time. The Hawks’ big man is 31 years old and is a free agent this offseason.
However, Capella is not the only veteran centre available on the market. Brooke Lopez is also a free agent this year, and according to Jake Fisher, the Lakers have long praised the former NBA champion.
“The Lakers have been a Lopez fan for a long time. That doesn’t guarantee they’ll chase him again, but the Lakers are expected to become players in the center market this summer.”
In particular, Capella is a great Rob threat option, which benefits Luka Donsic, and can really lift the big guy up very well.
Capella shot over 65% in two seasons while playing with Ellite Rob passersby James Harden and Trae Young. Combining him with Donsic could result in the same results.
Lopez isn’t as athletic as Capella, but the advantages of his height (Lopez is 7’1 and Capella is 6’10) make him a better rim protector.
On top of that, Lopez was a big, big thing, shooting 35.2% over the arc in his career. That’s something the Lakers have long been craving and can make him a front runner ahead of Capella.
It will be interesting to see which direction the Lakers will go with the free agents available in the market.
Earlier this week, Andrew Wiggins was linked with the Lakers, and Louis Hachimura’s name appeared as a potential trade asset in the trade. Jovan Buha said the deal would solve many problems for the Lakers.
“I like that deal. I know Wiggins is a popular guy on Lakers Twitter. I think he’s the one who checks a lot of boxes for the Lakers among the realistic options.”
As the Miami Heat is rebuilding its roster, it may be best to acquire expired assets before the 2026 free agent class.
But how about reunion with former lottery pick? Buha also spoke about the possibility of Lonzo Ball as a possible option. However, his health issues become a concern at the negotiation table.
“I think I’m going to do that (I’m interested in Lonzo’s balls). It’s a matter of what his price is and you have to consider the health and history that’s out there.
“So, whatever you give up for him requires some discount… he’s the guy you have to manage.”
Lonzo Ball returned to court more than two years later, where he was seriously injured. Since returning, the ball has averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 35 games for the Chicago Bulls.
At just $10 million per season, Lonzo is an affordable backup point guard option, and plays well on both ends of the courthouse.
The ball can play the role of the Lakers Alex Caruso type. His health is a concern, but once he gets out of the bench, this is worth considering.
No matter what the Lakers make deals with other teams, they should expect tough negotiations. The NBA team is reportedly considering punishing Luka Doncic for being “talented.”
The team seems unhappy with the Lakers cutting down on top five NBA players and are trying to make things very difficult for them as they are trying to build their future around Doncic.
If the team is trying to negotiate maliciously, Rob Perinka may have no choice but to pursue a multi-team deal to pamper the deal and land the players he is looking for.
This offseason is perhaps the most important part of Lakers history. It’s crucial that they put together a competing roster around LeBron James and Luka Donsic, as they can’t afford to waste the limited time that Superstar Tandem has together.
