The NBA offseason has delivered its fair share of surprises, but none more seismic than the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to waive nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard. Now, the door is wide open for Lillard to choose his next destination — and the Los Angeles Lakers are squarely in the mix. For a franchise teetering on the edge of another rebuild and trying to keep LeBron James engaged for what could be his final run, Lillard might be the saving grace that reignites a championship chase.
The Lakers Make Sense — Financially and On the Court
According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Geist, the Lakers are uniquely positioned to take a calculated risk on Lillard. Despite Lillard’s Achilles injury — one that could sideline him for the entirety of the 2025–26 season — the Lakers see value in the long term.
“They definitely have the financial flexibility to get this deal done,” Geist explained. “They basically absorb Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton into that Dorian Finney-Smith money.” The Lakers also retain the bi-annual exception and could free up a roster spot by waiving Shake Milton before his contract becomes guaranteed on July 20.
A two-year, low-cost deal structured around Lillard’s rehabilitation and eventual return could be a win-win. Geist predicts a delayed impact: “Maybe this would be more so in 2026-27 with him and Luka [Dončić] running the show, which would be a lot of fun.” With James on an expiring $52.6 million player option, the potential of pairing Lillard with Dončić and Austin Reaves could shape the next era in Los Angeles.
A Familiar Recruitment Angle
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LeBron James has long admired Lillard’s game — even attempting to recruit him out of Portland back in 2021. And while Lillard’s preferred destination last offseason was Miami, a return to his home state of California brings added appeal. “He can go over here to the biggest market in the NBA,” Geist said, “and he’d have some elite offensive co-stars with him right now.”
Those co-stars include Luka Dončić and LeBron himself, with Deandre Ayton anchoring the frontcourt. Even though Lillard may not contribute immediately, his arrival would send a clear message: the Lakers are still serious about chasing titles.
BetUS’s Jonathan Adams named the Lakers as a potential fit for Lillard’s services.
“With LeBron James seemingly trying to get out of his marriage with the Lakers, the addition of Lillard could help King James renew his Hollywood vows,” Adams wrote. “ James attempted to recruit Lillard to leave Portland in 2021. Lillard, James, and Luka Doncic on one team is sure to make NBA news.”
A Calculated Gamble — With Championship Upside
Lillard, ever confident, made his own case via social media shortly after being waived:
“If they call it a ‘gamble’ at this stage… tell ’em this [is] the jackpot. #ToBeContinued,” he posted on X.
The Lakers — along with the Warriors and Celtics — reportedly reached out to Lillard’s camp shortly after the waiver news broke, per The Athletic. But insiders believe L.A. has a unique edge given Lillard’s connection to the state, hailing from Oakland, and the franchise’s championship pedigree.
Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 37.6% from three last season before the injury. If healthy by 2026, he could be the star the Lakers build around — whether or not LeBron stays.
For now, all eyes are on Lillard’s decision. If he lands in Los Angeles, the Lakers could be planting the seeds for their next great era — and maybe extending the current one just a little longer and likely appealing to LeBron’s fragile sensibilities