After being swept in the Western Conference semifinals by the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder, it’s clear that the Los Angeles Lakers need to upgrade the roster over the offseason.
One way to do that would be to trade for a dominant defender who has made multiple All-Star teams over the course of his career.
Bam Adebayo Named Offseason Trade Target for Los Angeles Lakers
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat keeps the ball from LeBron James #23 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report recently named Miami Heat star center Bam Adebayo as an offseason trade target for L.A.
Such a scenario would probably only be financially feasible if LeBron James leaves the Lakers over the offseason, and at this point we don’t know if he will. But if he does, the Lakers could potentially have the cap space and assets to go hunting for a star like Adebayo to play alongside Luka Doncic.
“Assuming LeBron James leaves Hollywood, the Los Angeles Lakers will enter the summer with nearly $50 million in cap space while retaining Austin Reaves’ free-agency hold. They’ll also have the ability to dangle up to three first-round picks. Fireworks seem inevitable,” Favale wrote.
“The Miami Heat tend to avoid traditional rebuilds, but 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 that averages out to over 30 percent of the salary cap. His mid-range heavy shot diet is cause for pause, but he has the tools to reorient his usage around elite playmakers like Reaves and Luka DonÄiÄ.”
This story will be updated.Â
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Three-time NBA All-Star Named Offseason Trade Target for Los Angeles Lakers appeared first on HEAVY.