The Los Angeles Lakers may actually be able to steal Luguentz Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder after his playoff struggles. The 27-year-old was first-team All-Defense in 2025 and was the ideal 3-and-D wing in their championship run. His shooting dipped this season, and it got so bad that the Thunder limited his minutes against the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. He shot just 30.8 percent from 3-point range in the playoffs. With their cap crunch looming, OKC might try to move on.
Things got so bad that Thunder expert Mark Nilon thinks the franchise should move on from Dort. With massive extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren set to kick in, Oklahoma City is projected to be $28.5 million over the second apron. That would limit their ability to make moves, which Sam Presti won’t want. The cost-cutting moves are coming, and the Lakers would love to buy low.
It is not often that one of the best 3-and-D wings becomes available, but Dort is coming off a disastrous playoff run. He couldn’t make shots, and the Thunder needed offense with J-Dub and Ajay Mitchell out. Dort has a $17.7 million team option for next season, which OKC likely accepts and trades him on. The Lakers hope so.
 Luguentz Dort is the perfect fit next to Luka Doncic on the Lakers
The Lakers want to build a contending roster around Luka Doncic like the 2024 Mavericks that reached the NBA Finals. They are missing defensive-minded wings that knock down open looks and a rim-rolling big man to patrol the paint. Los Angeles can find a center upgrade, but getting 3-and-D wings is never easy.
Dort averaged 10.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 steal in 29.2 minutes per game in 2025. He shot 41.2 percent from 3-point range and 42.2 percent on catch and shoot triples. Luka is arguably the best player in the NBA at creating open 3-pointers for teammates. Dort would be able to just catch and fire in LA.
The 27-year-old had a down year, but Lakers fans shouldn’t worry about that. Shooters improve playing off Luka. He is always looking for open teammates and would set Dort up to focus on being a defensive menace.
Marcus Smart revived his career with the Lakers this season. Now, imagine adding a younger version who is a better shooter and defender. Head coach JJ Redick would put him in positions to wreak havoc defensively and sink open looks. Getting a change of scenery may be the best thing for all involved, and the Lakers would love nothing more than to add a potential first-team All-Defensive wing to their roster.
The door is wide open. The Oklahoma City Thunder will trim their payroll this offseason. They are more likely to move on from Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Joe than Isaiah Hartenstein. The big man was their starting center throughout the playoffs and was playing significantly more than Dort in the WCF. Sam Presti wants to defeat the Spurs, so he will try to maximize OKC’s roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers would love to swoop in and trade for Dort. It is on the table after his playoff struggles. Rob Pelinka must make it happen.
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