The 2026 NBA offseason is in full swing, and if you’re a Lakers fan, you know the front office has some serious work to do. With Luka Doncic now the face of the franchise and LeBron James’ future in LA uncertain, the pressure is on Rob Pelinka and company to make the best NBA trades for Lakers fans have been waiting for.
Let’s be real—the Western Conference is a gauntlet. The Thunder just dominated the Lakers in the playoffs, exposing every weakness in LA’s roster. So what are the best NBA trades for Lakers that could actually turn this team into a title contender? I’ve dug through all the latest rumors, reports, and insider intel to bring you the most realistic and impactful trade targets for the purple and gold.
Why the Lakers Need to Make Moves Now
Before we dive into specific targets, let’s talk about why the best NBA trades for Lakers are so critical right now. June 29 is a major NBA deadline—teams must decide on player and team options, and free agency negotiations officially kick off on June 30. The Lakers have approximately $48 million in projected cap space, making them one of the most financially flexible teams in the league.
But here’s the thing: cap space alone doesn’t win championships. The Lakers need to acquire talent that complements Doncic’s game. And after getting bullied in the paint by the Thunder in the playoffs, it’s clear that center is priority number one.
Top Center Targets: The Best NBA Trades for Lakers at the Five Spot
Naz Reid: The Surprise Target
Here’s an interesting name that’s popped up in recent reports: Naz Reid. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Lakers have “strong interest” in acquiring the former Sixth Man of the Year. Reid just got traded to the Charlotte Hornets as part of the LaMelo Ball deal, but the Lakers are reportedly hoping the Hornets will make him available.
Why does this make sense? Reid averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game last season while shooting 36.2 percent from beyond the arc. He’s a floor-spacing big who can stretch the defense—exactly what you want next to Doncic. He’s also durable, having played 70+ games in five of his seven seasons. For my money, this is one of the best NBA trades for Lakers fans should be watching closely.
Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren: The Young Studs
If the Lakers want to go younger and more defensive-minded, Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren are enticing options. Both are restricted free agents, which means their current teams (Utah and Detroit) can match any offer sheet. But that doesn’t mean a sign-and-trade is off the table.
Kessler is a shot-blocking machine who would immediately solve LA’s rim protection issues. Duren is more of an athletic lob threat who can run the floor. Either one would be a massive upgrade over what the Lakers currently have at center. These are the kind of best NBA trades for Lakers that could pay dividends for years to come.
Kel’el Ware: The Backup Plan
Remember the Tyler Herro trade talks? Before Herro was dealt to Milwaukee in the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster, the Lakers had discussions with the Heat about acquiring both Herro and Kel’el Ware. While that deal obviously never happened, the Lakers reportedly still have interest in Ware.
The problem? The Bucks aren’t expected to trade him. But if they do, Ware would be a fantastic young center to develop alongside Doncic.
Wing Upgrades: More Best NBA Trades for Lakers
Cam Johnson: The Sharpshooter
If there’s one name that keeps coming up in trade rumors, it’s Cam Johnson. The Denver Nuggets sharpshooter is on an expiring $23.1 million contract, and the Nuggets are looking to get below the second apron. The Lakers are one of several teams interested, along with the Celtics, Heat, Clippers, and Magic.
Johnson shot a career-high 43 percent from three-point range last season. He can play both forward positions, giving the Lakers lineup flexibility. Adding a shooter of his caliber would be one of the best NBA trades for Lakers fans could realistically hope for.
Andrew Wiggins: The Veteran Wing
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report floated a three-team trade scenario that would send Andrew Wiggins to the Lakers. In this proposal, LeBron and Bronny James would go to Miami, while Wiggins and Walker Kessler would come to LA.
Wiggins averaged 15.4 points on 47.5 percent shooting and 41.4 percent from three last season. He’s a proven NBA champion who can defend, shoot, and create his own shot. This is the kind of blockbuster move that would instantly make the Lakers one of the most dangerous teams in the West.
Trey Murphy III: The Rising Star
Another name to watch is Trey Murphy III. The Lakers have reportedly been linked to him in trade scenarios that would bring the New Orleans Pelicans wing to LA. Murphy is a young, athletic wing with a smooth shooting stroke—exactly the kind of player who thrives next to a playmaker like Doncic.
Other Names to Watch
The Lakers have also been linked to several other players who could be part of the best NBA trades for Lakers this offseason:
- Dean Wade – A defensive-minded forward who can space the floor
- Jock Landale – A stretch big who shot nearly 39 percent from three
- Lu Dort – The Thunder and Lakers are reportedly in active discussions about a Dort trade
- Myles Turner – Multiple teams, including the Lakers, have interest
What About the Thunder?
Speaking of the Thunder, they’ve been busy too. While we’re focused on the best NBA trades for Lakers, it’s worth noting what’s happening in Oklahoma City. The best trades for Thunder this offseason have included shipping Isaiah Joe to the Pistons for two future second-round picks and trading Aaron Wiggins to the Hawks. These moves saved the Thunder a combined $140 million in tax penalties.
Why does this matter for the Lakers? Because the Thunder are the team that knocked LA out of the playoffs. Every move they make should be studied by the Lakers front office. If the Thunder are getting younger and cheaper, the Lakers need to get better and more experienced.
NBA Transactions Today: What’s Happening Right Now
As of June 29, 2026, there’s a lot going on in the NBA transaction world. The Hornets traded Miles Bridges to the Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and a 2033 first-round pick. The Raptors and Clippers are in meaningful talks about a Kawhi Leonard trade. And the Warriors are reportedly trying to trade for Anthony Davis while signing LeBron James.
With NBA transactions today happening at a rapid pace, the Lakers can’t afford to sit on their hands. The best NBA trades for Lakers will require aggressive action in the coming days and weeks.
What Makes a Trade One of the Best NBA Trades for Lakers?
Not every trade is a good trade. Here’s what I’m looking for when evaluating the best NBA trades for Lakers:
- Does it complement Luka Doncic? – Doncic needs shooters around him and a rim-running center who can catch lobs and protect the paint.
- Does it improve the defense? – The Lakers got exposed by the Thunder. Any trade must address defensive weaknesses.
- Does it make financial sense? – With $48 million in cap space, the Lakers need to be smart about their spending.
- Does it set the team up for the future? – Doncic is 27. The Lakers need to build a core that can compete for the next 5-7 years.
FAQ
1. What are the best NBA trades for Lakers in 2026?
The most discussed trade targets for the Lakers include Naz Reid, Walker Kessler, Cam Johnson, Andrew Wiggins, and Trey Murphy III. Each addresses different needs—center depth, wing shooting, and defensive versatility.
2. Will the Lakers trade LeBron James?
It’s possible. Several trade scenarios have been floated that would send LeBron and Bronny James to the Miami Heat in a multi-team deal. However, nothing is confirmed, and LeBron’s future remains one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.
3. What is the Lakers’ biggest need this offseason?
The Lakers’ biggest need is a starting-caliber center. Luka Doncic has reportedly asked the team to acquire an A-list center, and the playoffs exposed major weaknesses in LA’s frontcourt rotation.
4. How much cap space do the Lakers have?
The Lakers have approximately $48 million in projected cap space, making them one of the most financially flexible teams in the NBA.
5. When is the NBA trade deadline?
The 2026 NBA trade deadline passed on February 5, 2026. However, the offseason is a prime time for trades, with free agency negotiations starting June 30.
Final Thoughts: Which Trade Is the Best?
After looking at all the options, here’s my take on the best NBA trades for Lakers:
The Dream Scenario: A three-team deal that brings Andrew Wiggins and Walker Kessler to LA while sending LeBron to Miami. This would give the Lakers a defensive anchor at center, a proven wing scorer, and cap flexibility.
The Realistic Scenario: Trading for Cam Johnson or Naz Reid. Both are attainable without gutting the roster, and both address clear needs. Johnson gives you elite shooting; Reid gives you floor-spacing and rim protection.
The Dark Horse: A trade for Lu Dort. The Lakers and Thunder are already in discussions, and Dort is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.
Whatever happens, one thing is clear: the best NBA trades for Lakers will be the ones that make the team better around Luka Doncic. With NBA transactions today happening at breakneck speed, we won’t have to wait long to see what Rob Pelinka has up his sleeve.
What do you think? Which trade would you want to see the Lakers make? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your take on the best NBA trades for Lakers this offseason.
Stay tuned for more updates on Lakers trades, Thunder moves, and all the latest NBA transactions today.
