The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a pivotal 2025/26 NBA season, with their sights set on a championship led by the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit last season, the Lakers have been aggressive in addressing roster needs, but gaps remain—particularly in guard depth. As the NBA Summer League kicks off in Las Vegas, reports from ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin reveal that the Lakers are eyeing trade targets like Ayo Dosunmu, Marcus Smart, and Matisse Thybulle to bolster their backcourt. With fans buzzing on platforms like X, the question is: Can these players bridge the gap to contention, or are the Lakers still a piece away from true greatness? Let’s dive into the trade talks, analyze the fit of these targets, and explore what they mean for LA’s title hopes.
The Lakers’ 2024/25 Season: A Tale of Talent and Shortfalls
The 2024/25 season was a rollercoaster for the Los Angeles Lakers. After pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire Luka Doncic from Dallas in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick, expectations soared. Pairing Doncic with LeBron James, who continues to defy age at 40 with 25.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists post-birthday, promised a lethal offensive tandem. However, a first-round playoff loss exposed critical weaknesses, particularly in guard depth and perimeter defense. The addition of Deandre Ayton via buyout and Jake LaRavia added size, but the backcourt struggled to support the star duo, with Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent unable to provide consistent two-way play.
With over $70 million in expiring contracts (Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Vincent) and a 2031 first-round pick, GM Rob Pelinka is poised to make waves at the Summer League, where executives converge for trade talks. The Lakers, hard-capped at the first apron, aim to open roster spots and gain flexibility, making their interest in Dosunmu, Smart, and Thybulle a focal point of offseason chatter.
Ayo Dosunmu: The Young Two-Way Spark
Ayo Dosunmu, a 25-year-old Chicago Bulls guard, is the most intriguing target for the Lakers. Drafted in the second round in 2021, the Chicago native has shown steady growth, averaging 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 2024/25, with 49.2% field goal and 32.8% three-point shooting across 46 games (26 starts). His team-friendly $7 million expiring contract makes him an attractive trade piece, especially as the Bulls, in a rebuild, are reportedly open to moving him.
Dosunmu’s strengths lie in his versatility. He’s a quick, hard-nosed defender who can switch across guards and wings, addressing LA’s need for perimeter stopping power. Offensively, he’s a capable playmaker and slasher, though his three-point shooting dipped from 40.3% two seasons ago to 32.8% last year. If he regains his shooting touch, Dosunmu could be a perfect complement to Doncic’s playmaking and LeBron’s floor-spacing. His youth and upside make him a long-term fit, but his inconsistent jumper and lack of elite creation raise questions about his ceiling. For a Lakers team needing bench scoring and defensive energy, Dosunmu’s two-way potential is a tantalizing prospect, though Chicago may demand a first-round pick or a young asset like Dalton Knecht, which could complicate talks.
Marcus Smart: The Veteran Defensive Anchor
Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, brings a different flavor. Now with the Washington Wizards after a stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, the 31-year-old guard is known for his tenacity, leadership, and ability to guard positions one through five. In 2024/25, injuries limited him, but he remained a defensive force, averaging 1.5 steals and providing 36.1% three-point shooting on low volume. With an expiring $19.2 million contract, Smart is a prime trade candidate, though some teams are waiting to see if Washington buys him out, allowing a cheaper signing.
Smart’s fit with the Lakers is clear: his grit and defensive versatility could anchor the backcourt, freeing Doncic from tough defensive assignments and letting LeBron focus on offense. His playmaking (4.3 assists per game last season) and clutch shooting add value, but his injury history—missing significant time in recent years—and declining athleticism are concerns. A buyout would be ideal for LA’s cap situation, but if a trade is required, the Lakers could leverage expiring contracts like Vincent’s or Hachimura’s. Smart’s veteran presence could stabilize the locker room, but his high salary and health risks make him a gamble compared to Dosunmu’s youth.
Matisse Thybulle: The Defensive Specialist with Limits
Matisse Thybulle, a 28-year-old wing with the Portland Trail Blazers, is a defensive standout, earning two All-Defensive Second Team nods with the Philadelphia 76ers. In 2024/25, injuries restricted him to just 15 games, but his career 1.7 steals and 1.2 blocks per game highlight his elite perimeter defense. At 6’5” with a 7’0” wingspan, Thybulle can guard top scorers, making him a potential answer to LA’s struggles against players like Devin Booker or Jayson Tatum. His $11.5 million expiring contract is manageable, aligning with the Lakers’ cap goals.
However, Thybulle’s offense is a glaring weakness. A career 34.3% three-point shooter on low volume, he offers little scoring or playmaking, limiting his fit in an offense-heavy system. Compared to Dosunmu’s two-way upside or Smart’s leadership, Thybulle’s one-dimensional game makes him a less exciting target. Still, his defensive prowess could bolster LA’s bench, especially in playoff matchups, if Pelinka can secure him without overpaying. A package involving Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick could be enough, given Portland’s rebuilding focus.
Strategic Context: Balancing Now and the Future
The Lakers’ pursuit of these players reflects a dual timeline. LeBron, at 40, is in the final year of his $52.6 million player option, while Doncic is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension in August 2025. Austin Reaves, also extension-eligible, adds another decision point. Pelinka must balance win-now moves with long-term stability, especially with no cap space and a hard cap at the first apron. The team’s $70 million in expiring deals offers flexibility to aggregate contracts, but their 2031 first-round pick is a key asset after the Doncic trade depleted draft capital.
Dosunmu offers the most upside for both timelines, blending youth with immediate impact. Smart is a win-now addition but carries injury risks, while Thybulle’s defensive specialty is valuable but limited. The Lakers’ failed attempt to acquire Charlotte’s Mark Williams earlier this year—rescinded due to a failed physical—shows Pelinka’s willingness to take risks, but also the need for precision. With Summer League serving as a trade hub, as noted by an Eastern Conference executive who praised Vegas for facilitating quick talks, the Lakers must act fast to finalize deals before their July 19 Summer League game against the Warriors.
Risks and Rewards
Each target carries risks. Dosunmu’s inconsistent shooting could clog spacing around Doncic and LeBron, and Chicago’s asking price may be steep. Smart’s injury history and high salary could strain LA’s cap, especially if a buyout doesn’t materialize. Thybulle’s offensive limitations risk making him a situational player, less impactful in a star-driven system. However, the rewards are significant: Dosunmu could become a cornerstone guard, Smart a defensive linchpin, and Thybulle a matchup-specific stopper.
The Lakers’ 1-1 Summer League start, with Bronny James showing flashes (10 points vs. Miami), keeps the spotlight on youth, but Pelinka’s focus is on veterans who can elevate the core. Posts on X reflect fan excitement, with some calling Dosunmu “the perfect fit” for his hustle, while others question Smart’s health. The consensus is clear: LA needs a backcourt boost to contend in a loaded Western Conference against teams like Denver and Oklahoma City.
The Los Angeles Lakers are at a crossroads, with LeBron James and Luka Doncic anchoring a roster tantalizingly close to championship contention. Targeting Ayo Dosunmu, Marcus Smart, and Matisse Thybulle at the NBA Summer League signals an aggressive push to address guard depth, but each player brings unique strengths and risks. Dosunmu’s youth and two-way potential make him the prize, Smart’s veteran grit offers stability, and Thybulle’s defense could be a playoff X-factor. As Rob Pelinka navigates trade talks in Vegas, the Lakers’ ability to land the right piece could define their 2025/26 season. Will they secure the missing link for a title run, or fall short again? The buzz is growing on X—share your thoughts on who LA should target