The Los Angeles Lakers will endure a busy 2025 offseason.
Various high-level assets are set to become available on the trade market this summer, giving the Lakers zero excuses to come away empty-handed.
Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell recently crafted a captivating trade proposal that would send Stephen Curry’s ex-superstar teammate to the Lakers in a monster three-team deal.
"They (Lakers) want to make a big move to maximize the window with LeBron James,” Caudell wrote last Friday.
"While the Lakers have other needs, (Kevin) Durant would fill in seamlessly and would have plenty of scoring opportunities on the floor with (Luka) Doncic and James, while also helping their defense.”
"In a very tough Western Conference, the Lakers can't really afford to stay pat. (Nick) Richards gives them another body at center and (Terance) Mann is a wing player that can fill the voids on the bench. The Lakers are still under both aprons and can make other moves to improve their roster.”
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"While trading both (Austin) Reaves and a first-round pick might seem like too much for an older Durant, Reaves had a rough postseason and might be too much of a liability on defense to pair long-term with Doncic, not to mention he is due a contract extension. Durant gives them more of a two-way threat.”
In Caudell’s trade proposal, the Hawks would receive Grayson Allen, Cody Martin, and Jarred Vanderbilt; the Lakers would receive Durant, Mann, and Richards; and the Suns would receive Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton, Gabe Vincent, Kobe Bufkin, and four future draft picks.
Pairing James and Doncic with Durant would be must-see TV. James’ effective downhill driving and playmaking, Doncic’s unteachable instincts and late-game takeover ability, and Durant’s dependable isolation chops would give opponents nightmares.
Durant, who won two championships with the Golden State Warriors alongside Curry, would love to compete for another title before retiring.
Considering the Suns are in complete disarray in late May, it’s safe to say the 36-year-old phenomenon won’t achieve that feat in Phoenix.
Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game with the 36-46 Suns this season, shooting 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from deep.
With Los Angeles also landing a serviceable big man in Richards in Caudell’s trade idea, the Lakers would have enough talent to get over the hump in the Western Conference.
It’ll be interesting to see if Los Angeles pursues Durant this summer.
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