The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the final stretch before the trade deadline, and this year’s approach feels different - because it is different. For the first time in years, the Lakers aren’t building around LeBron James’ championship window. Instead, their focus has shifted to 26-year-old Luka Dončić, who’s made it clear he’s not interested in a slow rebuild.
According to reports, Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick back in May that he’s aiming for contention now - not three years from now. That urgency is shaping everything the Lakers are doing as the front office evaluates how to best maximize the roster around their new franchise cornerstone.
One name that’s surfaced in trade talks: Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. The Lakers are reportedly showing real interest in acquiring the 21-year-old, and with the Sacramento Kings backing off their pursuit - unwilling to include a future protected first-round pick - Los Angeles could have a clear path to make a compelling offer.
Kuminga would check a lot of boxes for the Lakers. He brings athleticism, defensive versatility, and untapped offensive upside - all qualities that could complement Dončić’s playmaking and scoring gravity. He also fits the timeline, giving L.A. another young piece to grow with their new core.
But while the Lakers are looking to get younger and more dynamic, they’re also dealing with internal struggles. The team hasn’t been playing its best basketball lately, and the tension is starting to show. There’s been talk about a lack of energy and cohesion - and some of that chatter is spilling into the public sphere.
Former broadcaster Skip Bayless recently claimed that LeBron James wants the team to move on from Austin Reaves - a statement that raised more than a few eyebrows. Bayless pointed to a perceived lack of joy in the Lakers' recent play, referencing comments from Dwyane Wade about the team’s low energy. He then suggested that Reaves, a spark plug for the Lakers last season, is the player James wants out.
That notion doesn’t hold much water. Reaves has been a key contributor and a fan favorite, and his chemistry with LeBron has been one of the few constants in an otherwise up-and-down season. While he’s battled through injury, when healthy, Reaves has shown flashes of being an All-Star caliber guard - the kind of player you build with, not ship out.
Unless something dramatic changes, it’s hard to imagine the Lakers seriously entertaining a trade involving Reaves. He’s young, skilled, and already proven he can thrive under the bright lights of L.A.
As the trade deadline looms, the Lakers are juggling a tricky balance: win now for Luka, but don’t mortgage the future. They’ve got a generational talent in Dončić, and the clock is already ticking.
Whether it’s Kuminga or another rising player, expect the Lakers to be aggressive - but also strategic. Because in today’s NBA, building around a superstar isn’t just about making moves.
It’s about making the right ones.