In a blockbuster deal earlier this year, the Los Angeles Lakers shook the basketball world by bringing Luka Doncic onboard. Despite this major addition, the team isn’t quite content, still on the hunt for more star power to bolster their lineup for next season.
Evan Sidery has thrown another intriguing possibility into the mix, suggesting that the Lakers could pull off another seismic trade. He highlighted that, if the Lakers are willing, they could potentially bring in none other than Kevin Durant.
To make this trade happen, they’d need to part with Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber—all together matching Durant’s hefty $54 million salary.
According to Sidery, the retraction of the Mark Williams trade now gives Los Angeles some flexibility with their draft assets as well.
On Twitter, Sidery broke down the potential deal: “If the Lakers wanted to make a push for a Kevin Durant trade, they have the necessary salaries lined up pretty perfectly. And with the change in the Mark Williams deal, they have some draft capital to throw in the mix as well.”
Now, while the logistics and numbers check out, the real question arises—do the Lakers want to go down this road? It’s worth noting that Maxi Kleber has yet to suit up for the Lakers due to an injury, but Reaves, Hachimura, and Vincent have become crucial players for the team. Reaves, in particular, stands out as the third most reliable player on the roster and has quickly become a fan favorite.
Given these dynamics, it’s uncertain if the front office would consider letting go of these impactful contributors, even for someone of Durant’s caliber. Furthermore, Los Angeles’ primary concerns remain in the frontcourt, suggesting that their focus might be better placed on acquiring a solid big man instead of another elite scorer like Durant.
While Durant’s prowess is undeniable, he might not address the specific areas that need strengthening. Hence, it’s more plausible that the Lakers will explore the market for centers to reinforce their lineup in a way that aligns with their strategic needs.
Up next, keep an eye out for Dorian Finney-Smith, who has a bold message about his gameplay.
