Los Angeles Lakers insider Jovan Buha has suggested that while the franchise is currently in a holding pattern, there is still the possibility of a meaningful trade this summer. Speaking on his podcast, Buha outlined the Lakers’ tradeable assets and how they could pivot depending on how the season unfolds.
“The Lakers can still make a move, and that’s what you mentioned in your tweet. They still have their 2031 or 2032 first-round pick, and they’ve got the expiring contracts of Rui, Gabe, and Maxi. They also have Dalton Knecht, so there is a move to be made this summer.”
“That said, I still think there are limitations to how much they can actually improve. It seems like they’re trying to keep their first-round pick for 2026 or 2027, possibly with the intention of making a bigger trade down the road, one where they’d have multiple picks to offer.”
“Right now, they also have a second-rounder they can move. But if we’re talking about a trade package of just Rui, Gabe, Maxi, Dalton, and a second, or some combination of those pieces, I don’t think you’re getting anything great or a meaningful upgrade.”
“To really get something of substance, it would probably require including a first-rounder. If they’re willing to put that first on the table and truly go for it with all their tradeable assets, then yeah, I think they can find something that upgrades this roster.”
That list of four names: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Dalton Knecht, form the current trade base the Lakers could use without sacrificing their core. Buha was quick to point out that such a package, unless paired with a first-round pick, would likely not bring back a game-changer.
The Lakers currently hold over $110 million in expiring deals, including those of LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
LeBron is expected to play out the final year of his contract in 2025–26, with no indication of a trade or buyout request from his camp. Reaves, on the other hand, is projected to decline his player option and command a long-term deal in the $30 million per year range.
There’s also the Luka Doncic factor. Following the shocking blockbuster trade that brought him to Los Angeles, the Lakers’ top priority now is extending the generational star.
Doncic is reportedly all-in on the franchise, showing commitment through a major physical transformation and an aggressive recruiting spree that brought in Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton. He is expected to sign a four-year, $220 million extension or opt for a shorter deal to maximize his next payday.
With Luka seemingly entering win-now mode and LeBron still performing as arguably the best No. 2 option in basketball, the Lakers could be contemplating two parallel strategies. First, they want to preserve cap space for the 2026 free agency class, where they could target a major superstar or add multiple high-level contributors.
Second, if the 2025–26 season begins strong and the roster looks just one piece away, the Lakers could flip the switch and include their 2031 first-round pick in a midseason trade to elevate their title odds.
It all comes down to timing. While the Lakers are playing the long game with one eye on cap flexibility and Luka’s extended prime, they’re also not ruling out going all-in if the right situation arises.
