Lakers predicted to pair Luka Doncic with $82.5 million Thunder NBA champion via offseason trade

While winning a championship is the Los Angeles Lakers’ main focus in early February, it’s worth noting that the franchise has every reason to be excited about the upcoming offseason.

The seven-time NBA champions will have plenty of quality targets to consider, and according to Lake Show Life’s Collin Keane, a 6-foot-4 NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder guard is one of them.

“Lakers suddenly have a path to acquire Lu Dort,” Keane wrote Friday. “Now that Dort is represented by (Rich) Paul, the Lakers have a clear "in" when it comes to potentially acquiring the 3-and-D specialist.”

“Unfortunately, Dort doesn't hit free agency this coming offseason. The Thunder can exercise an $18.2 million team option for Lu in 2026-27.”

“Of course, that's not a barrier to the Lakers potentially trading for Dort this summer, with the help of Paul. When push comes to shove, Paul is a master at getting his clients where they want to go, or where the franchise in Paul's ear wants them to go.”

Dort played an integral role in the Thunder’s 2025 championship. The Arizona product embraced the toughest defensive assignments, drilled timely corner threes, and provided a spark that gave Oklahoma City an extra boost. 

While many like to classify Dort’s play style as ‘dirty,’ he does everything an impactful, defensive-minded role player should do. From defending 94 feet from the basket to using his upper body strength to prevent opponents from turning the corner and getting high-percentage looks, Dort doesn’t make life easy for the opposition.

In an ideal world, the Lakers would find a way to add the 26-year-old two-way contributor in the summer via trade and continue to surround Luka Doncic with a competent supporting cast.

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