The Lakers kept things relatively quiet at this year’s trade deadline, making just one move: shipping Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for sharpshooter Luke Kennard. It wasn’t the kind of blockbuster deal fans might’ve hoped for, especially considering how active L.A. was at last year’s deadline, but it’s clear the front office is keeping its powder dry for what could be a massive offseason.
And make no mistake - the summer ahead could reshape the Lakers’ roster in a big way.
There’s a long list of key decisions looming. LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes are all set to hit free agency.
Meanwhile, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart hold player options for the 2025-26 season, giving them the power to test the market or stay put. That’s a lot of potential movement, and it opens the door for the Lakers to take a big swing - or several.
One name already being linked to L.A.? Giannis Antetokounmpo.
According to reports, the Lakers are expected to be among the teams making a push for the two-time MVP this summer. The idea of Giannis in purple and gold is enough to send ripples through the league - and while there will be plenty of suitors, the Lakers are uniquely positioned to make a compelling offer.
Why? Cap space. A lot of it.
Los Angeles is projected to have one of the largest war chests among contending teams this offseason. That kind of financial flexibility doesn’t come around often, especially for a team that still has a core of talent in place. It gives the Lakers a real shot to retool around a new star - or add to the ones they already have.
Insiders believe the front office is ready to capitalize on that flexibility. There’s a sense that this summer could be a turning point, not just in terms of player movement, but in how the organization builds for the future - modernizing its front office approach and constructing a roster that can compete in today’s NBA.
Giannis isn’t the only name on the radar. The Lakers are also expected to monitor players like Peyton Watson (Denver Nuggets), Tari Eason (Houston Rockets), and Cam Thomas (Milwaukee Bucks). None of those names carry the weight of Antetokounmpo, but they each bring intriguing upside and could fit into a revamped Lakers rotation.
As for Austin Reaves - while he holds a player option for 2025-26, he’s shown loyalty to the franchise in the past. At 27, he’s entering his prime, and it’s tough to envision him walking away from a team that’s consistently in the playoff mix and has the potential to reload in a big way this summer.
And let’s not forget: Luka Doncic is expected to be in the fold next season, giving the Lakers a legitimate superstar to build around. Pairing him with another elite talent - or surrounding him with high-level role players - could be the difference between another early exit and a deep postseason run.
Bottom line: the Lakers may have taken a backseat at the trade deadline, but don’t mistake that for complacency. With major cap space, key decisions on the horizon, and a front office poised to make moves, this offseason could be one of the most pivotal in recent franchise history. Stay tuned - the fireworks might just be delayed until summer.