The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a pivotal offseason, with key player decisions looming. Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton are all weighing their options, leaving the Lakers with plenty to ponder as they strategize for the future.
With approximately $50 million in cap space, the Lakers are poised to make significant moves. Rumors are swirling around potential targets, including the Clippers' Kawhi Leonard and the Pistons' Jalen Duren.
Kawhi Leonard and Jalen Duren: Potential Lakers Targets
Yossi Gozlan from The Third Apron highlights the Lakers as potential suitors for Kawhi Leonard and Jalen Duren. Leonard, at 34, is having a standout season, averaging a career-high 28.0 points per game, along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.0 blocks. If Leonard's time with the Clippers ends due to the NBA-Aspiration scandal, the Lakers might consider trading for him, absorbing his $50.3 million salary for the 2026-27 season.
Meanwhile, Jalen Duren, just 22, is coming off his first All-Star appearance and is set for a lucrative contract. With averages of 17.8 points and 10.5 rebounds, and shooting an impressive 63.0 percent from the field, Duren is a hot commodity. The Pistons might face difficulty retaining him in restricted free agency, especially with projections suggesting a potential five-year, $180 million extension.
The Lakers' front office has some big decisions ahead, needing to prioritize which areas to strengthen. With the offseason approaching, the stage is set for some intriguing developments in Los Angeles.