Coming off a first-round playoff exit, the Los Angeles Lakers face another pivotal offseason. The blockbuster midseason deal that swapped Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić brought a needed offensive spark but left glaring defensive vulnerabilities in the paint. With Dončić and LeBron James offering little on the defensive end — as highlighted in their Game 5 loss to Minnesota, where Dončić allowed nine blow-bys on 16 drives — finding a defensive anchor is priority No. 1. Here are four of the most realistic trade targets the Lakers trade rumors are pointing to:
Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors: 4 Most Realistic Trade Targets to Bolster Frontcourt Defense This Offseason
1. Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers)
A defensive stalwart and former All-Star, Allen is coming off a season where he started all 82 games and averaged 9.7 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and shot a league-best 70.6% from the field. With Evan Mobley’s impending extension and Cleveland’s postseason struggles, Allen may be the odd man out. A proposed deal includes Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and several future picks. “They can’t guard anybody,” Charles Barkley recently said of the Lakers. Allen would immediately help fix that.
2. Jakob Poeltl (Raptors)
Poeltl isn’t flashy, but he’s incredibly effective — averaging 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 62.8% from the floor. He also holds his own defensively, and the Raptors went just 9–16 without him last year. With Toronto possibly pivoting toward youth and holding the No. 9 pick, a Knecht-based package and a future pick could entice them.
3. Nic Claxton (Nets)
Brooklyn appears to be in rebuild mode, making Claxton — a 6’11” rim protector and lob threat — an ideal target. A proposed deal would send Knecht, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, and a 2031 pick to Brooklyn. Claxton would thrive alongside Dončić and James, giving L.A. a true defensive-minded center without needing heavy offensive touches.
4. Jonathan Isaac (Magic)
Isaac quietly played 71 games last season, showcasing elite defensive instincts across multiple positions. Injury history is a concern, but as a small-ball five or backup four, he could give the Lakers defensive versatility. If Orlando looks to alleviate a frontcourt logjam, a deal centered around Knecht might provide a perimeter scoring upgrade they need.
Each target offers a different blend of defense, athleticism, and fit. For a Lakers team trying to build around aging LeBron and ball-dominant Luka, adding any of these four could be the difference between another early exit and a deep playoff run.