Numerous adjectives can be used to describe the Los Angeles Lakersâ 2026 offseason. Timid isnât one of them.
L.A. overhauled its roster after losing multiple key contributors from last season, most notably LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, to name a few. Officially stepping foot into the Luka Doncic era, the Lakers have priortized depth and shooting around the face of the franchise. But the work is not done.
With L.A.âs roster count currently exceeding the NBA-mandated limit, another move is on the way. Although it is probable that the Lakers wonât make another big trade, that possibility isnât completely off the table, especially with the bench depth needing a little more work.
The Lakers Trade Idea That Gets Luka Doncic Another Dependable Role Player
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles into the defense of Jalen Smith #25 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Thereâs a reason why the best Doncic-led teams were those with ample 3-point shooting. The Lakers have perimeter shooters, but adding another certainly wonât hurt.Â
In a hypothetical scenario, the Lakers pick up the phone and call the Minnesota Timberwolves to discuss a deal that sends Donte DiVincenzo, Doncicâs draftmate, to Los Angeles. Hereâs a proposed framework.
Lakers receive: Donte DiVincenzo
Wolves receive: Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2031 second round pick
It is important to reiterate that this trade is hypothetical and intended as a fun suggestion. So why might both teams agree to this trade?Â
Why Minnesota and L.A. Does the Deal
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a rebound in front of Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during a 111-102 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
DiVincenzo, who was acquired from the New York Knicks in a massive trade centered around Karl-Anthony Towns, might be viewed as a long-term piece for the Wolves. The team landed LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets this offseason and looks to contend for the Western Conference crown next season. But the Wolves also lack a power forward.Â
To help fill the position, Minnesota has reportedly looked into signing Jonathan Kuminga, a player the Lakers, too, have interest in. But Minnesotaâs familiarity with Vanderbilt makes him a better option. Although Vanderbilt has struggled to stay in the lineup in recent years, he has shown his impact when available. With Vanderbilt and DiVincenzo earning identical salaries, a trade is easy to execute.
For the Lakers, adding DiVincezo, a proven playoff starter and a player well-recognized for his 3-point shooting, would be a sweet mid-offseason acquision.Â
DiVincenzo, who averages 11 points per game and has shot 38 percent from 3-point over his career, would be the perfect off-the-bench type of player that could elevate the Lakers roster.Â
L.A. added potentially high impact players this offseason like Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton. While both players possess a profile similar to DiVincenzo, they arenât reliable in a playoff setting like DiVincenzo has proven to be time and time again. He was huge for Minnesota in its run to the conference finals in the 2024-25 season and a key figure in the Wolvesâ first round upset over the Denver Nuggets last spring.
The potential downside of trading for DiVincenzo, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in April, is having to wait until the 2027-28 season to see him play. Otherwise, the former NBA champion would make a strong addition to the Lakers.
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