With a long offseason ahead and the Los Angeles Lakers seeking a path back to contention, insider Jovan Buha has compiled a list of ten potential trade targets the front office could pursue.
- 1. Jrue Holiday – Boston Celtics
- 2. Andrew Wiggins – Miami Heat
- 3. Michael Porter Jr. – Denver Nuggets
- 4. Keegan Murray – Sacramento Kings
- 5. Bennedict Mathurin – Indiana Pacers
- 6. Derrick Jones Jr. – L.A. Clippers
- 7. Ochai Agbaji – Toronto Raptors
- 8. Royce O’Neale – Phoenix Suns
- 9. Matisse Thybulle – Portland Trail Blazers
- 10. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Memphis Grizzlies
- The Lakers Can Go Big Or Play It Safe
After a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the Lakers are exploring ways to build around Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Buha’s list features a blend of veterans, high-upside youngsters, and mid-level contracts, offering several options depending on the team’s approach.
Here’s a breakdown of each player from Buha’s list and how they fit into the Lakers’ plans:
1. Jrue Holiday – Boston Celtics
Jrue Holiday might be the biggest name on the list, and ironically, the most complicated target. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season due to injury, the Boston Celtics may be forced into cost-cutting mode.
They’re already staring at a projected payroll that could exceed $500 million when factoring in taxes, and Holiday’s remaining three-year, $103 million contract now looms large.
At age 35, Holiday averaged a modest 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists this past season but remains one of the NBA’s most respected perimeter defenders and an elite “3-and-D” point-of-attack option. While his production dipped, his value in a playoff environment is immense.
The Lakers, however, would need to match salary and contend with competition from both the Clippers and the Mavericks, who may try to flip him elsewhere for younger assets or expiring contracts. Holiday’s price tag, both contractually and in trade value, makes him a gamble, but a potentially worthwhile one.
2. Andrew Wiggins – Miami Heat
Andrew Wiggins, who ended the 2024–25 season with the Miami Heat after being included in the Jimmy Butler trade, is coming off a quietly productive campaign. He averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, showing he can still be a capable two-way wing.
At 30 years old, Wiggins fits the Lakers’ timeline better than older targets and would bring much-needed athleticism and defensive versatility. With two years and $58 million remaining on his deal, he’s more affordable than some other names.
Buha had previously singled out Wiggins as an “ideal fit” in Los Angeles, and if Miami decides to move him for draft capital or a package centered around younger wings, the Lakers could be contenders for his services.
3. Michael Porter Jr. – Denver Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr. remains one of the NBA’s most enigmatic talents. He put up 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game for Denver Nuggets, showcasing elite shooting mechanics and rebounding ability for a wing. However, durability and consistency remain issues.
His contract remains over the next two seasons, worth $79 million, could make teams hesitant, including the Lakers.
If the Nuggets decide to pivot after a disappointing playoff run, the Lakers would have to offer significant draft capital or possibly a third team to absorb salary. Porter Jr. brings the type of offensive firepower that could open the floor for Luka and LeBron, but only if L.A. is willing to accept the long-term financial risk.
4. Keegan Murray – Sacramento Kings
Keegan Murray averaged 12.4 points and 6.7 rebounds in his second season with the Sacramento Kings. A polished shooter and smart defender, Murray is on a rookie contract worth $11.1 million for one more year.
Sacramento is reportedly high on him, so a trade would require a sizable package of picks and maybe a high-upside young Laker like Dalton Knecht. Still, his age (24), spacing, and size make him an ideal developmental piece next, if the Lakers are willing to think long-term.
5. Bennedict Mathurin – Indiana Pacers
Bennedict Mathurin’s stock skyrocketed during the Indiana Pacers‘ Finals run, where his 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game played a key role off the bench. Still on his rookie deal, his value is high, but the Pacers are loaded with guard depth and might listen to offers if they can upgrade defensively.
Mathurin’s scoring and athleticism could thrive in a more featured role with the Lakers. However, his acquisition would likely require parting with multiple picks and perhaps Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura.
6. Derrick Jones Jr. – L.A. Clippers
Derrick Jones Jr. revived his career across town with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 10.1 points and 3.4 rebounds on improved efficiency. He still has two years and $20 million remaining on his deal, making him one of the most realistic targets.
A high-flyer and elite defender, Jones could slot in seamlessly as a low-usage role player in JJ Redick’s system.
Given the Clippers’ own cap concerns, they could be open to a modest trade involving draft swaps or second-rounders.
7. Ochai Agbaji – Toronto Raptors
Ochai Agbaji, who averaged 10.4 points and 3.8 rebounds last season, was a solid contributor for the Toronto Raptors and remains on a rookie-scale contract. The Raptors are retooling and might flip Agbaji if the Lakers offer a future first or a young player.
His 3-and-D upside and willingness to play without the ball make him a potential plug-and-play option, though his role may be limited on a win-now roster.
8. Royce O’Neale – Phoenix Suns
Royce O’Neale posted 9.1 points and 4.7 rebounds for the Phoenix Suns. A veteran with playoff experience and versatility, he remains under contract for three more seasons at around $32 million total.
The Suns are in the midst of a retool and could offload O’Neale to gain flexibility. He fits the Lakers’ mold of defense-first wings who can knock down open threes, and at just over $10 million per year, he’s within range for most trade frameworks.
9. Matisse Thybulle – Portland Trail Blazers
Matisse Thybulle, one of the NBA’s most disruptive perimeter defenders, averaged 7.5 points and 3.5 rebounds for the Portland Trail Blazers this season. He’s got two years left on a $22 million deal, making him another realistic low-cost target.
The Lakers lack elite point-of-attack defense, especially in transition, and Thybulle could help address that gap. His offensive limitations are well-documented, but in a specialist role, he can be effective.
10. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Memphis Grizzlies
A familiar face, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, just got traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Desmond Bane blockbuster but might not stick around. He averaged just 8.7 points and 2.2 rebounds last season and had a down year overall.
With Memphis leaning into a soft rebuild, Caldwell-Pope could be moved again for cheaper assets. His championship pedigree, defensive reliability, and experience under pressure would be valuable on a team like the Lakers. If he becomes a buyout candidate or is rerouted again, expect L.A. to be in the mix.
The Lakers Can Go Big Or Play It Safe
Each name on Buha’s list offers a different strategic path. Some, like Holiday and Porter Jr., bring proven playoff ability and win-now pedigree, but at a high cost. Others, like Mathurin or Murray, would require draft assets and patience, but could set up a sustainable future alongside Luka Doncic.
The Lakers are at a crossroads this summer, and this list reflects just how many directions they could go. Whether they aim to squeeze out one more title run with LeBron or build for the post-LeBron era, these ten targets offer something for both timelines.
