There was a time not long ago (this season, actually) when Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort looked like a painfully obvious offseason target for the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, Dort has given the Thunder the type of 3-and-D physicality and athleticism that the Lakers are currently on the hunt for (those are the kinds of players that LA needs to surround Luka Doncic with).
When Dort switched agencies to Klutch Sports Group this season (run by LeBron James' bud, Rich Paul), the Lakers fit felt even more real.
But Dort's performance this postseason has plummeted his stock and likely turned off the Lakers, who already have a potential reunion happening this summer with Marcus Smart, a superior option to Dort.
Lu Dort has been really bad in the playoffs for the Thunder (Lakers should stay away)
Dort has watched his minutes diminish steadily during these playoffs due to his poor play. He logged just 10 minutes in Game 6 against the San Antonio Spurs (a playoff low), which showed that Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault simply doesn't trust Dort anymore to come through when it matters most for OKC.
And why would he? Dort's become an offensive liability for the Thunder in these playoffs, shooting 19-for-62 from three (30.6 percent) and being so far away from the X-factor that he's shown capable of in the past. Dort will always provide physicality and is something of an instigator, but when he's giving you nothing offensively, there's no reason to play him, especially if you're a Thunder team with so much talent on the bench.
Lu Dort hasn't exactly enhanced his offseason market during the playoffs
Dort has an $18.2 million club option this offseason. His collection of playoff stinkers has some people speculating that the Thunder might pick up that option as a means to trade Dort, but the Lakers should still stay away, even if that happens.
Smart is the guy you want because he already has a familiarity with Luka and Lakers head coach JJ Redick's system. Smart had a really solid 2025-26 and might even be more appealing than Dort to any given NBA team at the present moment. He brings with him a wealth of postseason experience, and he's been known to make clutch plays in huge games. He's a much better ball-handler than Dort, too.
The Lakers have no reason to enter the Dort sweepstakes. Sadly, OKC might feel that it's best for them to get out of the Dort business this summer, as well. Perhaps Lu will end up on a non-contender where he can instill some toughness and enhance their culture. At 27 years old, Dort still has many years ahead of him in the league, but he's probably about to see his team and/or role change drastically.
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