For years, Ayo Dosunmu was stuck in the unfortunate environment provided by the Chicago Bulls. Playing for an organization that has been largely forgettable for the majority of recent memory would make any good player easy to overlook. 2025-26 finally gave Dosunmu a chance to showcase himself.
The 26-year-old was dealt away by the Bulls to the Minnesota Timberwolves. That came as no surprise given the fact of this coming offseason being the one in which Dosunmu needed a new contract. The two-way talent is set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2026, Chicago is rebuilding, and that franchise clearly had no intention of paying him during this transitional phase.
Dosunmu joined the Timberwolves and immediately stood out as a major addition for a team that wanted to win. The former Bulls guard was a consolation prize after the Wolves missed out on a last-minute Giannis Antetokounmpo hunt, and he was a good one.
Dosunmu averaged 14.4 points , 4.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.0 steal in 28.9 minutes per game during 24 regular season appearances for the Timberwolves. That came with shooting splits of 52-41-93. If the Los Angeles Lakers were not sold on pursuing him after that, the NBA Playoffs should have only added to his appeal.
Ayo Dosunmu has the 3-and-D skill set the Lakers crave around Luka Doncic
Retooling around Luka Doncic requires the Lakers to focus on adding players who can provide impact as shooters and secure regular defensive stops. Dosunmu fits the billing for both.
During the NBA Playoffs, Donte DiVincenzo's Achilles injury for Minnesota only thrust added pressure on the Timberwolves' new arrival. For the most part, the former second-round steal held up well.
Dosunmu averaged 15.6 points, shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from beyond the arc, 3.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. That included a 43-point outburst against the Denver Nuggets during the first-round clash for the Timberwolves.
With his stock near an all-time high, Dosunmu is likely to attract an open pocketbook from free agency suitors. That could include the Lakers.
The Timberwolves should hold the immediate advantage on bringing him back. Even so, it is fair to wonder about their willingness to pay up for Dosunmu's services given some of the other major deals on their books, and a track record of limited spending that offers an example as recent as last year.
Minnesota let Nickeil Alexander-Walker walk only to watch him break out and win the Most Improved Player with the Atlanta Hawks in 2025-26. That had to sting.
If the Timberwolves make the same mistake twice, someone will benefit from adding Dosunmu to their team during the summer. Given the type of players the Lakers are looking for, it should not ultimately be too surprising if Rob Pelinka is the one who comes calling.
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