The Lakers’ offseason plans are already taking shape around one clear idea: give Luka Doncic more help, and do it fast.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Los Angeles is “actively exploring trade scenarios” as it looks to build a stronger roster for 2026-27, and that search is expected to put Dalton Knecht in the middle of the conversation. The second-year guard has struggled, and all signs point to him being moved this summer. Earlier in the offseason, NBA reporter Evan Sidery said the Lakers were trying to find a trade partner for Knecht, and the team also drafted what could be his replacement in Cameron Carr.
One of the more detailed possibilities comes from Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, who floated a three-team sign-and-trade that would send Cleveland All-Star center Jarrett Allen to Los Angeles. In Pincus’ view, the Lakers are hunting for a starting center, and Allen fits the bill.
“The Lakers are scouring the free-agent and trade markets for a starting center,” Hughes wrote Saturday. “(Deandre) Ayton filled the role relatively well, but he's not in the team's long-term plans. (Jarrett) Allen would be their upgrade, while accepting that now is the time to move on from James and build properly around (Luka) Doncic.”
Pincus also outlined how the Lakers could add Trey Murphy from New Orleans, calling him “a talented scoring forward on a team-friendly contract at $87 million over three seasons.” He noted that buzz around the league has the Pelicans asking for three first-round picks for Murphy, and that the Lakers would be giving up two outright plus a 2030 swap.
“It’s a big ask, but the Lakers must give Doncic a motive to continue his career long-term in Los Angeles; sacrificing future assets for the best possible win-now team costs James but brings in key players like Allen and Murphy (Dean Wade recently signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, making it impossible to include him in any hypothetical scenarios).”
Pincus’ full proposal would send the James clan - Bronny and LeBron - along with Ayton and three trade exceptions to the Cavaliers. The Lakers would get Murphy, Micah Peavy, Allen, and one trade exception. New Orleans would receive Dennis Schroder, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Knecht, 2030 first-round swap rights from the Lakers, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, and two trade exceptions.
James recently informed the Lakers that he’s leaving after eight seasons, but that doesn’t shut the door on a sign-and-trade built around him if it helps Los Angeles land a needed frontcourt piece.
Allen would bring real value if the Lakers went that route. Evan Mobley remains Cleveland’s top frontcourt player, but Allen has been a steady rim-running, lob-catching big since arriving in 2021. The Texas product averaged 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds last season for a Cavaliers team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals, while shooting 63.8% from the field in 56 games.
If the Lakers decide the best way to maximize Doncic is to spend assets on a center and other upgrades, a deal like this would fit the direction they appear to be heading before the offseason ends.
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