Los Angeles Lakers insider names 6 trade targets tied to NBA rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers have had an uneventful offseason, with NBA rumors pointing to a few big-name players, but they return mostly with the same roster from last season. While the team is essentially set, there are already rumors about the Lakers’ possible trade targets during the season.

Los Angeles won’t be making any moves any time soon, as rumors of an NBA transfer are expected to start circulating at a much higher rate in December. However, some well-known trading candidates are expected to become available in the coming months.

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Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reflected on the Lakers’ offseason and Rob Pelinka’s lack of moves and named several NBA trade candidates that Los Angeles is either interested in or expected to keep an eye on in the coming months.

Speaking to people around the NBA, Irwin wrote that many around the league view Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma and Brooklyn Nets players Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith as potential trade targets for Los Angeles.

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There are also persistent NBA rumors linking Los Angeles to Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown. The name to keep an eye on, however, is Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine.

• Zach LaVine contract (Spotrac): $43.031 million cap hit in 2024-25, $45.996 million cap hit in 2025-26 season, $48.967 million player option for 2026-27 season

LaVine would be the most expensive trade acquisition financially, especially since his contract includes a 15 percent trade bonus. However, given the lack of interest he is receiving around the league, the acquisition cost would be lower for Los Angeles.

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Kessler has been a prominent name in NBA rumors for months and was even linked to the New York Knicks before the Karl Anthony Towns transfer. If the Lakers were to pursue a trade with Utah, they could offer first-round picks in 2029 and 2031.

However, it appears more likely for the Lakers to strike a deal with the rebuilding Nets (Finney-Smith) or Raptors (Brown), as both options would be cheaper to acquire. The Lakers’ roster remains as is for now as the organization tries to see how much improvement coach JJR Edick can bring.