The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear this offseason that they’re intent on addressing several of their roster needs. Despite some moves already taking place, many within the league and the fanbase alike feel the team remains a few key pieces away from positioning itself as a serious championship contender in the highly competitive Western Conference.
While the presence of stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic provides a strong foundation — and certainly makes any roster look better on paper — building a well-rounded, title-worthy team around such a dynamic duo is never as simple as it sounds. Depth, particularly in the backcourt, continues to be one of the Lakers’ most pressing concerns as the team looks ahead to the 2025-26 season.
The Lakers’ guard rotation has been a topic of conversation all summer, with questions surrounding whether the current group is capable of supporting their star talent deep into a playoff run. Injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of defensive presence at the guard positions have hampered the Lakers at crucial moments in recent seasons. It’s no surprise, then, that the front office is actively exploring options to shore up this area of the roster.
According to a recent report from Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Lakers are expected to be aggressive in trade discussions as they head into the Las Vegas Summer League — an annual event that serves as both a showcase for young talent and a hotspot for behind-the-scenes negotiations. Irwin notes that the Lakers will arrive in Las Vegas not just to evaluate their summer squad but also with specific trade targets already in mind.
Among those targets is reportedly a guard from the Chicago Bulls, a franchise rumored to be open to shaking up its core as it reassesses its direction. While no official names have been confirmed in the reporting, speculation has quickly centered around Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso. Both guards bring distinct skill sets that could address different needs for the Lakers.
LaVine, a two-time NBA All-Star, would offer elite scoring, athleticism, and the ability to create his own shot — something the Lakers have lacked outside of their primary stars. However, acquiring LaVine would be complicated by his hefty contract and recent injury history. On the other hand, Caruso, a familiar face to Lakers fans, would bring defensive tenacity, hustle, and championship experience, all at a much more manageable salary.
Beyond Chicago’s backcourt, the Lakers are reportedly monitoring additional guard options across the league as well. The front office’s strategy appears clear: to use Summer League as both a talent evaluation platform and a venue for substantive trade discussions that could reshape the roster ahead of training camp.
As the Lakers continue to build around LeBron and Doncic, every move matters. The franchise understands that maximizing the championship window of its superstar duo requires smart, timely decisions. Whether a deal gets done in Las Vegas or later in the offseason, it’s evident that the Lakers aren’t done making moves just yet.
Fans should keep a close eye on trade chatter over the next couple of weeks — especially where Chicago’s guards are concerned.