Lakers’ Offseason Strategy: Can They Land a Superstar via Trade?

By Edcel Panganiban June 29, 2025 14:05

As the 2025 NBA offseason unfolds, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, aiming to bolster their roster around their young superstar core of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves. With the team’s early playoff exit fresh in memory, the Lakers’ front office, led by GM Rob Pelinka, is aggressively exploring trade options and free agency targets to land a true superstar and solidify their championship aspirations.

The Core and the Quest for a Superstar

Pelinka has publicly expressed unwavering confidence in the trio of LeBron, Luka, and Reaves, calling them the “three pillars” of the franchise’s future. “The level of confidence in Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Luka Dončić is at an all-time high,” Pelinka said. “We will collectively do a better job to make sure they’re surrounded with the right pieces to have ultimate success.” However, the Lakers acknowledge that adding a high-impact star, particularly in the frontcourt, remains a priority.

Trade Market Targets and Assets

The Lakers have been linked to several trade targets, most notably Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and Miami Heat wing Andrew Wiggins. Kessler, a 23-year-old big man averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds (including a league-leading 4.6 offensive boards), and 2.4 blocks per game last season, fits the Lakers’ timeline alongside Dončić. His affordable $4.9 million salary for 2025-26 and manageable cap hold in 2026 make him a coveted asset. However, Utah’s asking price multiple first-round picks has so far been prohibitive.

Other centers the Lakers have considered include Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu, Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton, and Portland’s Robert Williams III. Veteran free agents such as Clint Capela, Al Horford, and Brook Lopez also remain on the radar as potential affordable upgrades.

To facilitate a blockbuster trade, the Lakers can leverage valuable assets such as their 2031 first-round pick, promising young guard Dalton Knecht, and expiring contracts of players like Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), and Maxi Kleber ($11 million). These expiring deals provide salary flexibility to absorb contracts in trades.

Draft Moves and Roster Building

In the 2025 NBA Draft, the Lakers made strategic moves by trading up from the 55th to the 45th pick and then packaging that pick to select Arkansas forward Adou Thiero at No. 36. Thiero, an athletic 6-foot-8 forward, has been compared to OG Anunoby for his defensive versatility and three-and-D potential, signaling the Lakers’ intent to add complementary pieces around their stars.

Free Agency and Salary Cap Considerations

The Lakers face critical decisions with free agents like Dorian Finney-Smith, who may opt out of his $15.4 million player option to seek a multi-year deal elsewhere. If Finney-Smith departs, the Lakers would open their full midlevel exception of $14.1 million, allowing them to pursue multiple free agents with premium contracts.

Luka Dončić’s looming contract extension potentially a four-year, $229 million deal will consume a significant portion of the salary cap, making efficient roster construction essential. The Lakers’ ability to balance star salaries with role players will be key to creating a championship-caliber roster.

Challenges and Outlook

Landing a superstar via trade is never straightforward, especially given the Lakers’ limited tradable assets and the high asking prices for top-tier players like Kessler. Additionally, the team is committed to keeping Austin Reaves, viewed as a foundational piece alongside LeBron and Luka.

NBA insider Jovan Buha noted, “The Lakers probably have to overpay in any trade for a premium center or wing, given their current assets and cap situation.”

The Lakers’ 2025 offseason strategy revolves around surrounding their superstar trio with the right complementary talent, ideally by acquiring a high-impact player through trade or free agency. While challenges abound, the combination of valuable draft assets, expiring contracts, and cap flexibility provides a foundation for aggressive moves.

As Pelinka emphasized, “We believe in our core and will do everything possible to build a roster that can compete at the highest level.”

With the trade market heating up and free agency approaching, Lakers fans can expect a dynamic summer as the franchise strives to return to championship contention.