The 2025 NBA offseason has featured blockbuster trades, shocking free-agent moves, and bold front-office swings. But in Los Angeles, the Lakers have opted for something more subtle: calculated refinement. And they might just be pulling it off.
While the LeBron James trade rumors made their usual rounds, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and his staff focused on improving a roster that already boasts LeBron, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves. Their 15–8 record in games with James and Dončić together (.652 winning percentage) suggested championship potential was already brewing. Instead of headline moves, LA added support pieces—Deandre Ayton to bolster the interior, Jake LaRavia to bring spacing, and Adou Thiero via a draft-night trade to inject perimeter defense and athleticism.
But even with those smart upgrades, the Lakers aren’t finished.
Lakers Actively Looking For Defensive Perimeter Wing
Support Our LA Firefighters In Style
“We’re actively looking for a new defensive player on the perimeter,” reported ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, adding that a trade could materialize by the end of the month. Rob Pelinka echoed the priority in his postseason interview: “Solidifying our defensive core on the wing… that’s an essential need.”
Thiero, whom Pelinka believes has “the blueprint of becoming one of those really elite, physical, athletic wings,” offers upside—but he’s still a rookie. The need for another seasoned wing remains.
Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points revealed three targets that the Lakers could attempt to target.
“Previous trade targets include Andrew Wiggins and Robert Williams, among others, and a couple new names have garnered some attention given how the rest of the offseason has played out to this point,” Clutch Points’ Anthony Irwin wrote Tuesday. “Sources say Matisse Thybulle, Marcus Smart (though most teams are watching to see if he’s going to be bought out), Ayo Dosunmu and others are names the Lakers have had preliminary conversations with teams about availability and price, though no offers have been made.”
Still, the Lakers have options. Expiring contracts like Hachimura’s ($18.2M), Gabe Vincent’s ($11.5M), and Maxi Kleber’s ($11M) give LA flexibility to make a move. Other potential targets include De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, or Amir Coffey—less splashy but viable defensive upgrades.
The Lakers’ margin for error is thin. LeBron turns 41 this season. Dončić is locked in, but the clock is ticking on maximizing this superstar duo. A carefully selected wing defender could tip the scales.
This may not be a summer of seismic moves, but it’s a summer of strategy—and if the Lakers find their final piece on the perimeter, it could be enough to raise another banner in Crypto.com Arena.