The Los Angeles Lakers want 3-and-D role players to put around Luka Doncic, and Luguentz Dort may be available after the Oklahoma City Thunder have cut his minutes in the conference finals showdown against the San Antonio Spurs. OKC is projected to be over the second apron as currently constructed. Sam Presti likely cuts spending. The other two names often mentioned are Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. Both have been crucial in the conference finals, while Dort has taken a backseat.
The Lakers aren’t getting Dort in free agency. Oklahoma City has an $18.2 million team option, and they are not letting a former first-team All-Defense selection out the door with zero return. Los Angeles would have to trade for him, but this could be the perfect option next to Luka.
The Lakers clearly needed more talent as the Thunder swept them in the second round of the playoffs. It was an absolute blowout. Luka was injured, but it was clear that LA has to upgrade their roster. They want to build a similar team to what Dallas put around Doncic in their 2024 NBA Finals run. This could be their chance to add a crucial 3-and-D weapon at a below market cost.
The Lakers have a shot to trade for Lu Dort after his role is cut in the conference finals
Dort has started every game he has played in for the Thunder this season, but his 26.8 minutes per game were his lowest since his rookie season. Oklahoma City is loaded with talent and no stranger to blowing out opponents. Dort averaged just 25.0 minutes per game in the first two rounds of the playoffs, but he got over 31 in Game 4 against the Lakers, which was the only close contest.
The Thunder took a 3-2 edge over the Spurs on Tuesday night with Dort playing just 18 minutes. It was an even series, and both teams knew this was the biggest game of their season so far. Dort finished with just seven points on three of seven shooting. It dropped his minutes per game average for the series to 19.2 per game.
Dort has struggled in this series. He has made just three of his 13 3-pointers, and the Spurs have outscored OKC in every game with the 6’4 wing on the floor. The Thunder are loaded with talent, but are without Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. They need a bit more shot creation on the floor, which has further limited Dort’s minutes.
The Thunder have difficult roster decisions to make as Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams each jump over $40 million per year. They are currently projected to be $28 million over the second apron. Will Presti hamper the tools at his disposal to keep Dort? Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein have been massive against the Spurs. San Antonio isn’t going anywhere, so it feels like Dort is the odd man out.
Lakers fans may question giving the Thunder draft capital for Dort, but he could be the perfect fit next to Luka. He shot 41.2 percent from 3-point range last season, and fans know Doncic is one of the best shot creators in the world. Dort competes hard and would instantly improve LA’s defense. This could be the ideal move for the purple and gold, and it just got more real.
The Los Angeles Lakers should trade for Luguentz Dort if he becomes available. He could reach new heights playing next to Luka Doncic and would wreak havoc paired with Marcus Smart. His minutes dropping in the conference finals likely opened the door. It is on Rob Pelinka to kick it down and make this move happen.
Add us as a preferred source on Google