The NBA world has been quiet as the 2026 draft approaches, but several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, have shown their direction going into the offseason. The Lakers are looking to strengthen their perimeter shooting and add a two-way wing who can defend his position as well. In search of the missing piece, the team has seemingly sought the availability of an elite championship-winning wing.
The Oklahoma City Thunder became the 2025 NBA champions, and much of that credit also goes to the choking defense and elite perimeter shooting of Luguentz Dort. However, last season did not go the same way as his 2024-25 All-Defensive team campaign, especially the postseason.
However, the Lakers still seemingly believe in Dort’s capabilities and have reportedly inquired about the Thunder wing.
A fan account shared the source of the update on X:
“#Lakers have reportedly called the Thunder about Lu Dort.”
The Lakeshow was reportedly also in talks with the New Orleans Pelicans for Trey Murphy III. However, looking at the defeat they suffered at the hands of the Thunder in the postseason, their desperation to improve perimeter shooting, with the court vision of Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Moreover, the team defense needs work, and that’s Dort’s strongest suit. He averaged 1.2 steals last season, and he will now head into the last year of his five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Thunder with a base salary of $17.7 Million this season.
The Lakers are exploring the market to strengthen their frontcourt
The Lakers are desperately looking to strengthen their frontcourt this offseason, which has led them to consider multiple options. Sources suggest that the team has shown interest in the Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler, the New York Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson and others.
Some social media updates from analysts suggested that the management might also be involved in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and demand for Myles Turner. Along with Jalen Duren, who the team might also look to bring if the Pistons are interested in moving him, the team might also look to acquire Isaiah Stewart.
For now, nothing is official, but the franchise aims to address its issues as soon as possible so that the team gets time to adjust to the changes. The front office has some work to do this offseason with LeBron James and Austin Reaves due to extensions and bolstering their frontcourt and defense with efficient wings.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
