Lakers reportedly outbid by Hawks for $82M ex-Thunder NBA champion defensive menace

The Los Angeles Lakers have been extremely active this summer, especially early on with the moves they made. With LeBron James not returning next season, Los Angeles is now building its immediate future around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

The Lakers are searching for a wing who can provide consistent production on both ends of the floor. While no player can fully replace James, Los Angeles is looking for someone who can bring a similar impact. Jonathan Kuminga has emerged as one of the team’s top targets.

“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

The Lakers have also remained active in trade discussions this summer and do not appear to be finished making moves. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto revealed that Los Angeles was among the teams interested in acquiring NBA champion Lu Dort before the Atlanta Hawks completed a deal.

“Several teams expressed trade interest in acquiring Dort before he was traded to Atlanta, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote.

Landing Dort would have been a major addition for the Lakers, but it appears Atlanta was able to make a stronger offer in trade negotiations. The deal was completed as part of a three-team trade involving the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, and Hawks.

“The Thunder traded All-Defensive wing Luguentz Dort to the Hawks in a three-team deal that sent three second-round picks to Oklahoma City, 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher to the Mavericks and Ryan Nembhard to Atlanta on Sunday.Oklahoma City has now acquired seven second-round picks while going under the second apron and shedding $200 million this offseason via the trades of Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.

The Lakers understand they need a wing who can bring a defensive edge while also contributing offensively. Dort would have added toughness and energy to a roster that already features plenty of offensive firepower.

Dort is currently on an $82 million contract, making him a valuable addition on a reasonable deal in today’s NBA market. Missing out on him is one of the few setbacks the Lakers have faced this offseason, and it could end up being a significant one as they continue building around Doncic and Reaves.

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