Austin Konenski
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to return to the NBA Finals. After trading for Luka Doncic, the Lakers are trying to build a team that is capable of winning multiple championships. After being eliminated in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Los Angeles needs improvements, and it could pull off a blockbuster trade this offseason.
The Lakers are expected to be aggressive on the trade market during the 2026 NBA offseason, as reported by The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Sam Amick. Los Angeles was interested in Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo during the 2026 NBA trade deadline, so it could always circle back around before the NBA Draft.
After pulling off one of the biggest trades in NBA history for Doncic, the Lakers aren’t done yet. However, who could be targets for Los Angeles in the trade market?
Potential trade targets for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2026 offseason
If the Lakers want to be aggressive on the trade market, there are a few players who make sense. The list starts with Antetokounmpo; however, does the organization have the assets to pull off a deal? It doesn’t seem like a very realistic possibility, but the trade block won’t be deprived of elite talent.
New Orleans Pelicans forwards Trey Murphy Jr. and Herb Jones would be great additions to the team. Murphy scored 21.5 points per game while shooting 37.9% from the three-point line during the 2025-26 NBA season. Meanwhile, Jones would give the Lakers an elite defensive player who can produce on offense as well.
What about Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler? If extension talks don’t go well with Utah, the Lakers could acquire an elite defensive center who can score and rebound very well. Kessler is a restricted free agent, so it would likely require a trade unless the offer sheet is too high for the Jazz’s liking this offseason.
The Lakers need a starting center, shooting, and bench depth heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. Antetokounmpo would be the dream acquisition, but Murphy, Jones, and Kessler all represent great options moving forward. The focus may start on the Bucks star, but end elsewhere
Los Angleses wants to return to the NBA Finals with LeBron James, and it might take a blockbuster trade to accomplish that goal.
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