As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for a pivotal 2025 NBA offseason, league sources have dropped a bombshell: the team is prioritizing a trade for Sacramento Kings’ All-Star center Domantas Sabonis over Phoenix Suns’ superstar Kevin Durant. This surprising shift, reported on May 28, 2025, underscores the Lakers’ urgent need to bolster their frontcourt after a disappointing playoff exit exposed their lack of size. With Luka Dončić and LeBron James leading the charge, the Lakers are betting on Sabonis to complete their championship puzzle. For NBA fans and Lakers faithful, this rumor is a thrilling twist in the offseason saga. Dive into this analysis to uncover why Sabonis could be the game-changer Los Angeles needs and what it means for their title aspirations.
The Lakers’ Frontcourt Crisis
The Lakers’ 2024-25 season was a rollercoaster, marked by their blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić, which sent Anthony Davis to Dallas and left a glaring void at center. Despite finishing as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with a 40-23 record, their first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves—where Rudy Gobert dominated the paint—exposed their lack of interior presence. Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka acknowledged this weakness, stating, “My focus is going to be on … making sure next year we have the requisite size to have a team that can compete for a championship.”
The failed attempt to acquire Charlotte’s Mark Williams at the trade deadline, rescinded due to a physical, further highlighted the urgency to address this gap. While players like Walker Kessler, Nic Claxton, or Daniel Gafford have been floated as targets, Sabonis—a three-time All-Star and rebounding champion—offers a unique blend of star power and immediate impact. His addition could transform the Lakers’ frontcourt, providing the size, skill, and versatility needed to complement Dončić and James.
Why Domantas Sabonis?
Domantas Sabonis, at 29, is in the prime of his career, averaging 19.5 points, a league-leading 14.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game in the 2024-25 season on 59.6% shooting. His ability to dominate the paint, facilitate plays, and rebound at an elite level makes him an ideal fit for the Lakers’ needs. Unlike traditional rim-protecting centers, Sabonis is a playmaking hub, capable of running pick-and-rolls with Dončić and creating open looks for James. Analyst Jonah Kubicek of Athlon Sports argues, “Sabonis fits the bill” as a player who can “maximize the end of LeBron James’ prime and be Luka Dončić’s long-term running mate.”
However, Sabonis isn’t a perfect fit. His defensive limitations, particularly in rim protection, could be a concern for a team needing to counter elite big men like Gobert or Jokić. Critics, like those on The Bill Simmons Podcast, argue that Sabonis isn’t the athletic, rim-protecting center the Lakers ideally need, and his $43.7 million salary for 2025-26 (rising through 2027-28) is a hefty commitment for an imperfect fit. Despite this, his offensive prowess and rebounding dominance could outweigh these drawbacks, especially in JJ Redick’s system, which emphasizes spacing and playmaking.
The Kevin Durant Dilemma
Kevin Durant, a 36-year-old future Hall of Famer, remains one of the NBA’s most lethal scorers, averaging 26.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 2024-25. With the Phoenix Suns struggling outside the playoff picture, Durant is expected to be available, with the Suns seeking three first-round picks and a young player in a multi-team deal. The Lakers were initially linked to Durant, with speculation of forming a Big Three alongside James and Dončić. However, insider Jovan Buha has downplayed this possibility, suggesting the Lakers’ offer—likely centered around Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura—may not compete with stronger packages from teams like Miami or Minnesota.
Pursuing Durant also carries risks. His $54.7 million salary for 2025-26, age, and history of seeking new teams raise questions about long-term fit. The Lakers’ focus on Sabonis over Durant signals a strategic pivot toward addressing immediate roster needs rather than chasing another aging superstar, especially after their successful Dončić acquisition proved they can swing big without sacrificing their future.
The Trade Scenario and Costs
A proposed three-team trade could see Sabonis and Memphis’ Desmond Bane landing in Los Angeles, with the Kings receiving young players, draft picks, and the Grizzlies acquiring DeMar DeRozan and Austin Reaves. Another scenario involves the Lakers sending Reaves, Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and a 2031 first-round pick to Sacramento for Sabonis and Devin Carter. Reaves, averaging 20.2 points and 5.8 assists in 2024-25, is a valuable asset, but the Lakers are reportedly willing to part with him for a “foundationally important” center.
For Sacramento, trading Sabonis is not a given. Despite his reported desire for “clarity” about the Kings’ direction after De’Aaron Fox’s departure, Sabonis has expressed love for Sacramento. However, with new GM Scott Perry and a crowded backcourt (Zach LaVine, DeRozan, Malik Monk), the Kings might consider a rebuild around younger talent like Reaves. The Lakers’ trade assets, including expiring contracts (Hachimura, Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent) and future picks, give them flexibility to make this deal work.
Risks and Rewards
The Sabonis trade carries significant risks. His defensive shortcomings could leave the Lakers vulnerable, and his high salary might limit future moves. Critics argue that players like Walker Kessler or Mark Williams could provide better rim protection at a lower cost. Additionally, trading Reaves, a fan favorite and emerging star, could backfire if Sabonis doesn’t elevate the team to title contention. However, the rewards are tantalizing: a supercharged offense with Sabonis, Dončić, and James could overwhelm opponents, and his rebounding would address a critical weakness exposed in the playoffs.
Choosing Sabonis over Durant reflects a pragmatic approach. While Durant’s scoring and versatility are unmatched, Sabonis addresses a specific need and aligns with the Lakers’ timeline to compete now and in the post-James era. This move could solidify Dončić as the franchise’s cornerstone while giving LeBron a shot at another ring.
Broader Implications
This trade rumor underscores the Lakers’ relentless pursuit of excellence under Pelinka and Redick. After the Dončić trade, Los Angeles is unafraid to make bold moves, even at the cost of fan favorites like Reaves. For the NBA, a Sabonis-to-Lakers deal could shift the Western Conference’s balance, pitting a revamped Lakers squad against contenders like Denver and Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Kings’ potential rebuild and Durant’s uncertain future with Phoenix add layers of intrigue to the offseason, keeping fans glued to the rumor mill.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ reported pivot to prioritize Domantas Sabonis over Kevin Durant in the 2025 offseason is a bold gamble that could redefine their championship trajectory. By targeting a versatile, rebounding machine to fill their frontcourt void, the Lakers are addressing a critical weakness while leveraging their star power in Luka Dončić and LeBron James. While risks like Sabonis’ defense and the loss of Austin Reaves loom large, the potential trade could unlock a new era of dominance. Will Sabonis be the missing piece for the Lakers’ 18th banner? Share this article to join the conversation—this offseason drama is just heating up!