Lakers reportedly target three key players to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic next season

With LeBron James expected to play the next season and Luka Doncic set to become one of the main stars from the Los Angeles Lakers, the front office is reportedly eyeing three key players in NBA to bolster their roster and support the two superstars in the next season.

The Lakers want to bounce back in the next season, as Doncic is reportedly taking care of his strength and LeBron is expected to show the last performance of his career in Los Angeles. That’s why, the front office is expected to seek for great companion in the roster, to fulfill the expectations that are high for the next season.

With that panorama, there is a report that indicates the Lakers interest for three key players in the NBA. According to Lakers insider Dan Woike the team from Los Angeles is expected to go for players from the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers.

“Armed with the $14.1 million mid-level exception, the Lakers are expected to chase Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez and the Atlanta Hawks’ Clint Capela, with the surprise addition of Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton as another target on their list. The Lakers are not making calls gauging Austin Reaves’ trade value, one of the sources said.”

Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers works against Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a preseason game at Fiserv Forum on October 10, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Target players to strengthen the Lakers

As the Lakers aggressively seek to fortify their roster for the upcoming season, anticipation mounts over reports linking them to three key players. The allure of playing alongside superstars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic remains a significant draw for potential additions.

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Among the Lakers’ rumored targets is Bucks standout Lopez. He demonstrated his value in the previous season by participating in 75 games, significantly contributing to the Bucks with his exceptional rim protection and impressive three-point shooting efficiency.

Another player in the Lakers’ sights is Ayton, one of the few bright spots during a challenging season for the Trail Blazers. Ayton could be a valuable asset to Los Angeles, especially considering his strong performance on the boards, grabbing an average of 10.2 rebounds per game last season, coupled with a 57% field goal percentage.

Finally, there’s a possibility of adding Capela, a rebounding powerhouse. Capela was one of the NBA’s leaders in averaging 11.2 rebounds per game over 72 appearances for the Atlanta Hawks, making him a potential key component in boosting the Lakers’ interior presence.

Lakers’ Dorian Finney-Smith rumored to depart

In pursuit of LeBron James’ ultimate goal in what’s reportedly his final NBA season, a championship, the Lakers are reportedly open to moving forward without Dorian Finney-Smith. Despite his potential, Finney-Smith’s performance fell short of expectations last season. Consequently, the Los Angeles franchise is entertaining offers for his trade, with the Houston Rockets emerging as a possible landing spot.