NBA Rumors: The Lakers will seek to bolster themselves in a big way in the summer of 2026 with 3 top-level targets

The future of LeBron James is once again one of the major topics surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers. At 41 years old and on the brink of what could be his last season in the NBA, all signs point to the team entering a new era led by Luka Dončić, while the veteran star decides where to play next season, if he continues to stay active.

Initial forecasts place the Cleveland Cavaliers, his original team, as the most likely destination if he chooses to play one last season.

While James' situation is being resolved, the Los Angeles franchise is also considering how to complete the roster for the 2026-27 season. If the team doesn't secure the championship this June, the summer market will be the time to look for significant reinforcements.

According to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, there are three high-level targets that the Lakers could try to acquire via trade, although in all cases, it would involve complex operations.

Adebayo, the ideal reinforcement for the center position

One of the mentioned names is Bam Adebayo, current player for the Miami Heat.

The need at the five position has been evident throughout the season. Deandre Ayton has had moments of great performance mixed with inconsistent showings, averaging career lows of 12.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Additionally, he has an eight-million player option for the next season and could choose to enter the market.

Adebayo's arrival would be a significant leap for the team, which could have around 50 million in salary cap space. However, acquiring the Heat's center won't be an easy task as his name is highly regarded in the league after a recent historic 83-point game.

Anunoby, a necessary improvement on the perimeter

Another target would be OG Anunoby from the New York Knicks, considered one of the top perimeter defenders in the NBA.

His departure from New York seems unlikely unless the Knicks pull off a major deal, such as potentially acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, something that was considered last summer when the player requested a trade to that destination.

Favale points out that the Lakers could try to engage in a larger deal as a third team, sending draft picks to the Milwaukee Bucks to facilitate the move.

Lu Dort, another option to strengthen the small forward position

The third name in consideration is Lu Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder, another choice to enhance the perimeter play.

Oklahoma City holds a team option on his contract for 18 million, but due to the salary cap restrictions of the apron, they might opt not to exercise it. Before letting him go as a free agent, the Thunder could explore a trade to get something in return.

In such a scenario, the Lakers would need to take on the contract and offer some draft picks.

A transition that has already begun in Los Angeles

With Dončić as the new focal point, the franchise is gearing up for a transition that could be completed this summer, depending on LeBron's decision and the market movements.

The outcome of the playoffs will set the starting point, but everything indicates that next summer will be one of the most crucial for the immediate future of the Lakers.