The Los Angeles Lakers were among several teams that explored a potential trade for Lu Dort before the Oklahoma City Thunder sent him to the Atlanta Hawks.
The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly considered adding one of the NBA's top perimeter defenders before he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks.
Luguentz Dort
Position SG
Age 27
Height 193 cm
Weight 98 kg
Birth place Montreal, Canada
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Lakers were among several teams that expressed interest in acquiring Lu Dort before Oklahoma City Thunder completed a three-team deal involving Atlanta and the Dallas Mavericks.
The Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat were also named among the teams that pursued the Canadian swingman.
It remains unclear how far the Lakers' discussions progressed or what Los Angeles would have been willing to offer for Dort.
Dort would have addressed major Lakers need
Dort would have provided the Lakers with a proven point-of-attack defender capable of handling some of the league's most dangerous perimeter scorers.
The 27-year-old earned All-Defensive First Team honors in 2025 and became an important part of Oklahoma City's championship-winning core. He averaged 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season.
His defensive ability and physical playing style could have complemented a Lakers backcourt built around offensive creators Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Los Angeles have continued searching for another starting-caliber wing as they reshape their roster following LeBron James' departure.
However, Atlanta ultimately secured Dort in a three-team trade that sent former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas.
The Hawks also acquired guard Ryan Nembhard, while Oklahoma City received additional second-round draft compensation and created further financial flexibility.
Hawks want to keep Dort long term
Dort is entering the final season of his contract and is set to earn $17.22 million during the 2026-27 campaign.
Despite his expiring deal, the Hawks reportedly intend to keep him beyond the upcoming season and could explore a new long-term agreement.
Atlanta acquired Dort to strengthen a perimeter rotation that already features Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, giving the Hawks three physical and versatile defenders on the wing.
The move also helped Atlanta create significant financial flexibility for the following summer, potentially giving the organization enough cap space to pursue another star through free agency or the trade market.
For the Lakers, missing out on Dort means their search for another defensive-minded wing is set to continue.
[
Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.](https://basketnews.com/plus?utm_source=basketnews_com&utm_medium=bn_plus&utm_id=UA-259273-31&utm_campaign=banners_free_content_for_not_members_bottom_2)
If you like our content, please and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.