The Los Angeles Lakers are caught in the middle of a complicated situation, trying to satisfy two different superstars at two very different stages of their careers. Luka Dončić and LeBron James are on separate timelines — James is in “win-now” mode, while the Lakers also have the opportunity to build a long-term contender around Dončić. The problem? That’s not what Dončić wants.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
Meanwhile, LeBron James’ camp has made it crystal clear that he isn’t interested in waiting either. His agent, Rich Paul, emphasized that James wants to compete for a title before he retires.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
To address both stars’ needs, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey proposed a blockbuster three-team trade that could satisfy both timelines by landing the Lakers a star big man:
Jazz Receive:
- Terry Rozier
- Rui Hachimura
- Gabe Vincent
- Dalton Knecht
- 2026 first-round pick (Lakers)
- 2031 first-round pick (Lakers)
- 2031 first-round pick (Heat)
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Jazz Lose:
- Lauri Markkanen
- Svi Mykhailiuk
Lakers Receive:
Lakers Lose:
- Rui Hachimura
- Austin Reaves
- Gabe Vincent
- Dalton Knecht
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2031 first-round pick
Heat Receive:
- Austin Reaves
- Svi Mykhailiuk
Heat Lose:
- Terry Rozier
- 2031 first-round pick
This deal could benefit all three teams. While the Lakers would be giving up multiple rotation players and draft capital, they would also gain enough cap flexibility to continue reshaping the roster. Most importantly, it would finally end their long pursuit of Lauri Markkanen — a versatile big who fits both James’ short-term goals and Dončić’s long-term potential.
At the very least, it gives Dončić a lob threat for the future — and for the Lakers, that’s a step in the right direction.
