Lakers urged to trade for $166 million East All-Star this offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to shake up their roster this offseason.
The Lakers could be a move or two away from truly cementing themselves as true title contenders, especially with Luka Doncic on their side. As they explore different avenues this offseason, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale suggests they should target Miami Heat star center Bam Adebayo.
Favale listed three players each team should target this offseason, and Adebayo was at the top of the list for the Lakers.
" Los Angeles needs massive upgrades on the wings and in the middle. Given the free-agency pool has more quality center options, the former takes precedence.
"The Miami Heat tend to avoid traditional rebuilds, but if they trend toward another empty-handed summer, it might be time to consider moving their defensive anchor as he begins a three-year extension that averages out to over 30 percent of the salary cap. His mid-range heavy shot diet is cause for pause, but he has the tools to reorient his usage around elite playmakers like Reaves and Luka Dončić."
Adebayo is set to enter the first year of his three-year, $166 million contract extension that he signed with the Heat in June 2024.
That contract locks him up through the 2028-29 season. As things stand, the Heat are unlikely to trade the three-time All-Star. If the Heat decide to move on from Adebayo, then it would likely be for a superstar player, not for draft capital and role players.
The Lakers have some questions to answer this summer and some tough decisions to make as well. The expectation is that Los Angeles will prioritize depth over adding a third star alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves (if he stays).
This summer will be crucial for the Lakers, especially for general manager and president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka.
Lakers predicted to trade for $90M All-Star rim protector as perfect Luka Doncic lob partner
Breece Hall takes indirect shot at Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves amid Lakers' success
Shocking Luka Kennard stat puts him above Lakers legends in playoffs