Los Angeles lakers rumors are swirling intensely as the offseason heats up, dominated by surprising new insights into LeBron james‘s contract status and the team’s aggressive pursuit of frontcourt upgrades. Experts suggest a potential trade involving the superstar forward is no longer entirely off the table, while concrete targets like Walker Kessler and Nick Richards emerge in the Lakers’ urgent search for a difference-making center.
Could LeBron James Actually Be Traded?
For a long time, the idea of the Lakers trading LeBron James felt impossible. After he opted into his contract for the 2025-26 season, many assumed his future was settled, at least for one more year in Los Angeles. However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently shared a notable shift in his perspective. While he still doesn’t expect a trade to happen, he admitted on First Take that he no longer sees it as completely unlikely as he did just days prior.
Windhorst described initially “slamming the door” on trade speculation. He reasoned that James wanted to remain a Laker, evidenced by his opt-in and no-trade clause. But recent conversations have “crystalized” a different view: the Lakers are now essentially treating James as an expiring contract. This is a crucial, unprecedented development in his decorated 23-year career. James has never before been in the final year of a deal. He’s also never been 40 years old or not considered the absolute franchise player on his team.
James and the Lakers reportedly haven’t engaged in serious talks about an extension beyond 2025-26. This means he is currently slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, as his contract cannot be extended before then. This situation might reflect uncertainty about his playing future past 2026. In the NBA, expiring contracts are frequently viewed as potential trade assets. This fundamental shift in how James’s contract is perceived is what led Windhorst to state he has now “unlocked the door” to the trade idea, though he isn’t fully opening it yet.
Despite this unlocked door, several factors still make a trade seem improbable. The formidable duo of James and Luka Doncic remains a key piece of the Lakers’ present and future. The team is also still actively shaping its roster this offseason. Trading a player of James’s caliber is inherently complex and widely seen as drastic. Furthermore, the team needs to manage its salary cap sheet carefully, especially around Doncic. All these reasons continue to make a trade unlikely, but Windhorst’s main point stands: its impossibility is no longer assured. Should James ever decide he does want to be moved, Windhorst believes several teams “would step up and make offers.” Potential suitors mentioned by The Athletic’s Fred Katz include the Cavaliers, Mavericks, Warriors, Knicks, and Clippers, although Cleveland faces significant salary cap hurdles being deep into the second tax apron.
The Desperate Need for Frontcourt Reinforcements
Beyond the complex LeBron situation, the Lakers’ most glaring need heading into the offseason is undeniable: frontcourt depth, particularly at the center position. This deficiency was starkly exposed in their playoff series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where a lack of size proved detrimental. The team acquired Luka Doncic but traded Anthony Davis, and a planned trade for Mark Williams was rescinded, leaving them undersized.
Addressing this is reportedly the Lakers’ top priority, with an “internal plan is to trade for their starting center.” This approach leverages their remaining trade assets to secure a player who can immediately impact the roster. The specific skillset the Lakers need from a center is clear, given the offensive firepower of James and Doncic. They aren’t necessarily seeking a primary scorer, but rather a player who provides crucial rebounding and rim protection on defense. Offensively, being an effective rim-runner in pick-and-roll situations would perfectly complement the playmaking abilities of their two stars. Several names matching this profile have emerged in trade discussions.
Walker Kessler: A Prized Target with a Steep Price
Among the most frequently linked players is Utah Jazz young center Walker Kessler. Reports indicate the Lakers have held internal discussions about Kessler and have engaged in conversations with the Jazz previously, even coming “fairly close to a deal” last summer. Talks are said to be continuing, albeit inconsistently.
However, acquiring Kessler presents significant challenges due to Utah’s high asking price and the Lakers’ limited draft capital. Jazz insider Jovan Buha reports that Utah is seeking “two picks plus a young player” for the promising big man. The Lakers, having already traded their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks, face restrictions under the Stepien Rule, which generally prevents teams from trading future first-round picks in consecutive years. This limitation means the Lakers can typically only offer one future first-rounder (likely 2031 or 2032) in a trade package.
Consequently, the Lakers’ potential offer might be limited to “one pick and one young player and a swap,” possibly including multiple swaps or removing protections on a future pick like the top-four protected 2027 selection. Whether this package is enough to satisfy the Jazz remains uncertain. A major sticking point, according to sources, is the Jazz’s strategic concern. They own the Lakers’ 2027 first-round pick and are reportedly wary that trading Kessler, a player who would significantly improve the Lakers’ frontcourt immediately and long-term, could make Los Angeles too good. This could reduce the likelihood of that 2027 pick falling into the lottery or within the top four (where it’s protected), thus potentially lowering its value for Utah. This dynamic adds a layer of complexity beyond simply asset matching.
Nick Richards: A Veteran Option Drawing Interest
Another center target the Lakers have reportedly expressed interest in is Phoenix Suns big man Nick Richards. As one of the veteran centers the Lakers have inquired about, Richards offers a potentially more attainable option than Kessler. According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports, the Suns have received trade inquiries from several teams regarding Richards.
Richards had a solid 2024-25 season, averaging 9.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. He has one year remaining on his current contract and is expected to seek a higher salary in his next deal. While the Suns are hearing offers, it’s unclear if they are actively looking to move him. They reportedly like Richards as a player and value him as a reliable insurance policy behind their starting center, Mark Williams, who has faced injury issues. This makes the Suns potentially hesitant to move their depth piece unless presented with a compelling offer.
Other Potential Center Targets
Beyond Kessler and Richards, reports indicate the Lakers have discussed other center options internally. Names like Nic Claxton, Robert Williams III, and Day’Ron Sharpe have also been mentioned in connection with the team’s search for frontcourt help via trade. This broad list underscores the Lakers’ commitment to acquiring size this offseason and suggests they are exploring multiple avenues to find the right fit, even if it involves navigating complex trade scenarios and asset limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed Brian Windhorst’s view on a LeBron James trade possibility?
Windhorst’s perspective shifted because he now views LeBron James as essentially an expiring contract for the 2025-26 season. James opted into his deal but hasn’t discussed an extension beyond that year, making him a potential unrestricted free agent in 2026. This status is unprecedented in James’s career, and expiring deals are often seen as trade pieces in the NBA, causing Windhorst to unlock the door to the idea’s possibility, even if it remains unlikely.
What are the main obstacles to the Lakers trading for Walker Kessler?
The primary obstacle is the Utah Jazz’s high asking price, reportedly two first-round picks plus a young player. The Lakers are significantly limited in offering first-round picks due to previously trading their 2027 and 2029 picks and the Stepien Rule, likely limiting them to offering only one future first (2031 or 2032) along with a young player and swaps. Additionally, the Jazz owning the Lakers’ top-four protected 2027 pick makes them hesitant to trade Kessler if it helps Los Angeles too much.
What specific role are the Lakers looking to fill with a trade for a center?
Given the presence of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the Lakers are seeking a center who complements their stars rather than being an offensive focal point. They specifically need a player who can provide crucial rebounding and rim protection on defense. Offensively, being an effective rim-runner in pick-and-roll situations is highly valued to capitalize on the defensive attention drawn by James and Doncic.
The Lakers face a critical offseason filled with uncertainty, from the surprising possibility of a LeBron James trade to the complex challenges of acquiring a much-needed center. Targets like Walker Kessler and Nick Richards highlight the front office’s focus on addressing their frontcourt depth via the trade market. Navigating asset limitations, opposing team motives, and the unique situation surrounding their superstar will ultimately determine if the Lakers can build a true contender around the James-Doncic pairing.
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