The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025-26 season came to a bitter end with a Game 4 loss at home to the Oklahoma City Thunder, falling in a second-round sweep. Despite their best efforts, they couldn’t avoid elimination.
Now, heading into the offseason, the franchise faces a sea of questions: LeBron James’ future, Austin Reaves’ contract situation, and the overall direction of the roster. According to a report from The Athletic, the Lakers plan to be aggressive this summer, leveraging all available trade assets, including this year’s first-round pick, to significantly upgrade the squad. In light of this, three standout trade targets have emerged as ideal fits for Los Angeles.
The biggest name on the market is Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. His relationship with the Bucks has been a rollercoaster in recent years, with trade rumors surfacing and then quieting down after short-term extensions. But this offseason could be the turning point. ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed that the Bucks have started listening to offers for Antetokounmpo, and the Lakers should be the first to jump in. Acquiring him would likely cost the Lakers nearly all their future first-round picks and enough salary-matching players. If Reaves opts out and becomes a free agent, he couldn’t be included in the trade package. Still, adding another top-five superstar is a chance Pelinka can’t afford to pass up.
For a more plug-and-play option, Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans is an ideal target. He directly addresses the Lakers’ biggest weakness all season: perimeter defense. The Lakers have been linked to Pelicans players in trade rumors before, and Jones has always been in the mix. It’s just unclear if New Orleans is willing to part with him this summer. Building around Luka Dončić requires versatile, floor-spacing, defensively tough wings, and Jones fits that mold perfectly. Plus, landing him wouldn’t require gutting the team’s future draft capital, making him a high-value addition.
Interior play was another glaring weakness for the Lakers this season, with inconsistent production from their centers. Daniel Gafford, who previously played with Dončić in Dallas and helped the Mavericks reach the Finals, brings instant chemistry. Their existing rapport would allow for a seamless transition. When healthy, Gafford is a strong offensive rebounder, a reliable rim protector, and a constant lob threat—all traits that complement Dončić’s game perfectly. However, the new Mavericks front office may be hesitant to engage in another major trade with the Lakers anytime soon.
