The Los Angeles Lakers have called the Oklahoma City Thunder to discuss the availability (subscription required) of Luguentz Dort. LA would love to put an elite 3-and-D wing around Luka Doncic. The Thunder are projected to be over the second apron as max extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams kick in. OKC must trim payroll, and Dort is an obvious trade candidate with Cason Wallace ready to take on a larger role.
The 6’4 wing was first-team All-Defense in 2025. He switched agencies to Klutch Sports in February. Dort has a $17.7 million team option for next season. The Thunder will only decline it if they have a new contract worked out. Otherwise, OKC will accept and trade Dort.
The Lakers have been dreaming about adding an elite point-of-attack defender who can space the floor. Dort would need a new contract, but LA has a strong relationship with Klutch. Acquiring Dort could create a sticky situation with LeBron James. Otherwise, this is the dream move, and it keeps getting more real.
Lakers’ dreams of trading for Lu Dort keep getting more real
The Thunder are projected to be $28.5 million over the second tax apron with a full roster. They need to trim payroll and open up roster space for their draft picks. Jake Fischer and Michael Scotto noted teams are calling about Dort, and both insiders mentioned the Lakers first as the team in pursuit.
Dort is coming off a down year. He averaged 8.3 points and 1.2 assists per game, which were his lowest since his rookie season. The 6’4 wing shot a career-worst 38.5 percent from the field and made just 34.4 percent of his threes. He was limited to under 20 minutes per game in the Western Conference Finals and was clearly passed by Cason Wallace in OKC’s pecking order.
The door is open for the Lakers, but Sam Presti will force LA to pay a hefty price. The Thunder know the Lakers are one of the biggest threats to stopping their dynasty. Luka knocked out the top-seeded Thunder in the second round of the playoffs in 2024 on his way to the NBA Finals with the Mavericks. Presti hasn’t forgotten, and he has no reason to strengthen the Lakers.
OKC’s spending issues won’t leave Presti many options. The Lakers have cap space and can take Dort into their room. They are on a short list of teams capable of sending just draft picks in return. The Bulls and Nets are the other two teams with that luxury. Going to either East team would mean joining a rebuilding squad. If Dort wants to contend, it may be the Lakers or nowhere.
The 6’4 wing will have some say as he is entering the final year of his contract. Dort can tell the team acquiring him that he won’t re-sign. A contender may take a shot on a one-year rental, but that is dangerous if it costs significant draft capital.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ dreams of trading for Luguentz Dort are getting more likely every day. They were just linked to the 3-and-D wing by two different NBA insiders. OKC has to trim payroll, and the Lakers want to upgrade. Everything is lining up perfectly. All that is left is to make the trade.
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