Heading to the NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off the most surprising trade of the season and perhaps league history, securing Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris in return for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and an unprotected first-round pick in 2029. Additionally, the Lakers dispatched Jalen Hood-Schifino to the Utah Jazz, who received second-round picks from the Lakers and Mavs.
The blockbuster deal redefined the Lakers’ trajectory this season and for future years. This move is about more than just immediate gains. It’s about laying the foundation for sustained success over the coming years after LeBron James moves on from basketball.
Dončić’s acquisition represents a transformative shift in the Lakers’ philosophy. They are prioritizing long-term growth and the development of a new franchise identity. But what is LA’s next roster move after this blockbuster deal?
Lakers Could Make More Moves Ahead of Trade Deadline
5) Trading for Golden States Warrior Jonathan Kuminga
The next move for the Lakers may be to acquire Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors. Kuminga is a young forward who has showcased explosive athleticism, a high development ceiling, and the potential to evolve into a top-tier two-way player.
His blend of speed, strength, and versatility makes him the perfect complement to the James-Dončić combo.
Averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game with the Warriors, Kuminga can stretch opposing defenses, drive to the rim, and lock down multiple positions on defense. He offers natural athleticism and an aggressive style of play that would help solidify the team’s wing positions. He would boost both offensive creativity and defensive solidity.
With Dončić at the helm orchestrating the offense and James focusing more on scoring, Kuminga’s ability to serve as an offensive support becomes increasingly valuable. Additionally, his capability to guard several positions gives the Lakers the flexibility needed to counter modern, switch-oriented offensive schemes.
4) Acquiring Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl
With Davis gone, the Lakers need help in the frontcourt and, thus, could take a look at Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl.
Poeltl is under contract for $19.5 million next season (with a player option at the same number in 2026-27) and is a talented big who could be the kind of player the Lakers would target. However, Toronto is rumored to be seeking more than a first-round pick for Poeltl (perhaps even two), which is not a price LA would likely be willing to pay.
This season, Poeltl is averaging 14.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game with the Raptors.
3) Acquiring Washington’s Jonas Valančiūnas
The Lakers need frontcourt help, and if Poeltl is out of the equation, the Washington Wizards’ Jonas Valančiūnas might be a player of interest. The 6’11” center has averaged 11.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season.
Valančiūnas doesn’t offer the kind of rim protection the Lakers got from JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard during their 2020 NBA title run, but he can help grab multiple rebounds.
Valančiūnas does offer post-scoring and could be a boost for their second unit, though playing through a back-to-the-basket center isn’t close to being head coach JJ Redick’s stated style.
2) Trading for Atlanta’s Clint Capela
Another center Los Angeles could pursue is the Atlanta Hawks’ Clint Capela. Capela is making $22.3 million, and while his contract is expiring, matching the money again would involve the Lakers trading at least one piece of their core for a center whom the Hawks just moved to their bench.
Capela is averaging 9.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 22.4 minutes this season. The 6′,10″ 256-pound center is exactly what Redick wants in order to ease Davis’ absence on defense as a rim protector.
1) Acquiring Utah’s Walker Kessler
Utah’s Walker Kessler could be a perfect fit. He’s an excellent fit in terms of rim protection and salary (less than $3 million). The seven-footer is also a walking time machine.
Kessler is a player who could significantly help James and Dončić now and can become one of the building blocks of the next era of Lakers basketball. But landing him won’t be easy.
It remains to be seen if the Jazz are willing to part ways with Kessler. However, if there’s a viable path toward a deal between both sides, the Lakers should be aggressive in making it happen. Kessler is averaging 10.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game so far this season.
