Lakers linked to trade for $82.5 million Thunder defensive star, NBA champion

With a strong finish to the 2025-26 season being the Los Angeles Lakers’ primary goal in late February, it’s unclear what the offseason holds for the 17-time NBA champions. 

The organization will have options, but who will they ultimately land when the summer arrives? Lake Show Life’s Collin Keane believes there’s a world where the Lakers could acquire a 6-foot-5 Oklahoma City Thunder defensive star and NBA champion. 

“There aren't any wing targets that can compete with (Peyton) Watson, beyond a potential Lakers trade for Lu Dort," Keane wrote Tuesday.

Dort is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. The Arizona product possesses all the qualities of a stout, defensive-minded guard who’s a legitimate game-changer. 

Dort forces guards to frequently use their off-hand/get out of their comfort zone, uses his brute strength to bait opponents into low-percentage shots, and has no issue challenging shots around the rim while remaining vertical. 

Impressively, Dort can get the job on the offense end, too, as his knack for making himself available on the perimeter and cutting hard to the rim allows him to be effective on that end of the floor. Dort is averaging 8.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game with the Thunder this season, shooting 39.8% from the field and 35.0% from three-point land. 

Dort could be a valuable two-way contributor for the Lakers if given the opportunity. The only question is whether Los Angeles will consider him a priority target this summer. Only time will tell.

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