Regardless of what happens in the 2026 NBA Playoffs for the Los Angeles Lakers, even outside of the potential Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves injury returns, the team is expected to be busy this summer putting together a new supporting cast around those two stars.
While the Lakers have been linked to several 3-and-D shooters to pair with Doncic and Reaves, the idea of Los Angeles being interested in a new star big man has also been floated out in recent rumors. Potentially moving on from the current big man, Deandre Ayton, has been a common thought throughout the season, with hopes of potentially landing a star player as his replacement.
It remains to be fully seen what direction the Lakers will take this offseason in terms of free agents and top trade targets, but still, the team has a knack for landing star talent, and that could come in the form of a disgruntled All-Star looking for a fresh start.
Lakers Urged To Target Bam Adebayo In Offseason Trade Rumors
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 21: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat looks on during the game between the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Writing for Bleacher Report, Dan Favale named Bam Adebayo as a top trade target the Lakers should consider this summer. Amid all the uncertainty following yet another Miami Heat Play-In Tournament loss, and Adebayo’s comments after their season ended, Los Angeles could go star hunting this offseason and land the 83-point scorer.
“Los Angeles needs massive upgrades on the wings and in the middle. Given the free-agency pool has more quality center options, the former takes precedence. That is, unless Bam Adebayo proves gettable,” Favale wrote. ” If they trend toward another empty-handed summer, it might be time to consider moving their defensive anchor as he begins a three-year extension.”
Adebayo would be a big step up from Ayton, and more specifically, would be a solid next to Doncic in the pick-and-roll game and as a lob threat. He’s an All-Star and proven individual scorer, and the frontcourt has been a lingering issue for the Lakers all season long; he could be one of the best centers who might be looking for a change of scenery this offseason.
There is one, potentially major holdup regarding an Adebayo trade, and that would be his contract. The Heat star signed a three-year, $166 million extension in 2024 and is set to make more than $50 million over the next three seasons.
That means the impending free agency of Reaves would play a massive factor in a Lakers trade for Adebayo. Reaves is expected to earn a max-contract extension from Los Angeles this summer, but he would likely be the main piece moved in a deal for the Miami star.
But still, amid the uncertainty surrounding the Heat heading into the summer, the idea of Adebayo being on the market is not that big of a stretch.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com, the uncertain status of Tyler Herro and Norman Powell could play a major role in what the Heat does next, meaning someone like Adebayo could be up for grabs if Pat Riley decides to fully revamp their roster.
Lakers Top Trade Targets Heading Into The Offseason
GettyEL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 25: General Manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on September 25, 2025 in El Segundo, California.
The season continues for the Lakers, as they are up 2-0 in their first-round series over the Houston Rockets.
However, that hasn’t stopped rumors of who the team will go after this summer to fully build around Doncic, and potentially Reaves.
Writing for ESPN, Dave McMenamin outlined a few wing players the Lakers are expected to target, whether it’s in free agency or through a trade.
“An unrestricted free agent who has been discussed internally, sources told ESPN, is Andrew Wiggins, but he has a player option with Miami he could exercise. Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes and Dean Wade are other players who fit that profile,” he wrote. “The Lakers have also privately discussed restricted free agents Tari Eason and Peyton Watson.”
The Lakers-Watson free agency links have been heavy over the past few months, but if they can’t land him, those other names are expected to be atop Los Angeles’ list this summer.
Additionally, in the same article in which Favale discussed a potential Adebayo trade, he also listed OG Anunoby and Lu Dort as potential options.
The Lakers are expected to be busy this summer, and regardless of what happens with the impending free agencies of Reaves and LeBron James, the expectation is that the front office is fully committing to building around Doncic for the future.
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