Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort, Thunder, Lakers
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Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals.
The Los Angeles Lakers could once again be active in the offseason trade market, and one emerging name tied to their potential plans is Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
According to Bleacher Report analyst Dan Favale, Dort could become one of the more intriguing trade candidates this summer, depending on how Oklahoma City navigates looming salary cap pressures.
Favale suggested the Lakers could attempt to acquire the defensive specialist if the Thunder look to avoid pushing deep into the NBA’s restrictive second-apron luxury tax territory.
Lakers Could Target Lu Dort Amid Thunder Salary Crunch
Luka Doncic, Lu Dort, Lakers
GettyLuka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball in front of Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Dort, 26, holds an $18.2 million team option for the 2026–27 season, giving Oklahoma City flexibility in determining his future. While the Thunder could theoretically decline the option and allow Dort to become a free agent, Favale believes that scenario is unlikely given the organization’s reputation for shrewd asset management under general manager Sam Presti.
“Lu Dort will be among the Oklahoma City Thunder names in play if ownership cheaps out on entering the second apron,” Favale wrote. “The Lakers could sign him outright if his team option gets declined, but no front office run by Sam Presti is incompetent enough to let him walk for nothing.”
Instead, Favale believes a trade could be the more realistic path.
“Absorbing his entire 2026–27 salary while sending out some draft equity would still leave L.A. with the ammo to do a bunch of other stuff,” Favale added.
Lakers Projected to Have Significant Cap Space
The Lakers could have the financial flexibility to pursue multiple roster upgrades this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Los Angeles could generate as much as $50 million in salary cap space depending on offseason decisions. Meanwhile, Spotrac’s Keith Smith projected earlier this year that the Lakers could approach $55 million in cap room — or even exceed $60 million depending on roster moves, including renouncing free agents and the outcome of player options.
Such flexibility could allow the Lakers to pursue defensive upgrades on the wing — an area where Dort has built his reputation as one of the NBA’s toughest perimeter defenders.
Dort’s Defensive Impact Makes Him Appealing Lakers Target
While Dort is not a high-volume scorer, his value comes primarily on the defensive end.
The Canadian wing is averaging 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game this season, but his reputation as one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders continues to grow.
Advanced metrics reinforce that impact. According to analytics site CraftedNBA, Dort ranks in the 95th percentile league-wide in forcing turnovers, highlighting his ability to pressure ball handlers and create extra possessions.
Last season, Dort finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors while serving as a defensive cornerstone for the Thunder during their championship run. Oklahoma City’s title made them the second-youngest team in NBA history to win a championship, with Dort providing veteran leadership and elite perimeter defense.
Dort is a much younger version of 32-year-old former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart — a rugged defensive guard capable of guarding multiple positions and setting the tone with physical play.
Though Dort has historically been considered a “3-and-D” wing, his outside shooting has dipped this season. He is hitting 33.7% from three-point range, down from 41.2% last season, when he posted a career-best mark.
Still, his defensive versatility could make him an appealing addition for a Lakers team seeking stronger perimeter resistance.
Thunder Facing Tough Financial Decisions
Oklahoma City’s long-term salary picture is becoming increasingly complicated as its young core begins to command major contracts.
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to become eligible for a 35 percent supermax extension in 2027, while rising stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams have already secured lucrative rookie-scale extensions.
As those deals escalate, the Thunder’s payroll is projected to rise sharply.
Several other players also have upcoming contract decisions. Isaiah Hartenstein holds a team option worth roughly $31 million in 2026–27, while Dort’s option sits at $18.2 million. Additional players such as Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams also have future options, while promising young guard Cason Wallace will soon become eligible for a new deal.
The growing financial commitments could force the Thunder to make difficult roster decisions.
Lakers Could Take Advantage of Thunder’s Depth
Presti famously stockpiled draft picks over the years to prepare for moments when roster consolidation becomes necessary.
If Oklahoma City ultimately prioritizes keeping its young stars under long-term deals, veteran role players like Dort could become trade candidates.
That scenario could open the door for the Lakers to pursue a defensive upgrade on the wing.
For Los Angeles, adding a battle-tested defender like Dort — while still maintaining cap flexibility — could help reshape the roster as the franchise looks to remain competitive in the Western Conference.
And if the Thunder are forced to trim salary to avoid the second apron, the Lakers may be one of the teams positioned to capitalize.