Luguentz Dort to the Lakers: Is the Thunder Ready to Let Go of Their Champion?

The NBA offseason is shaping up to be a busy one in Los Angeles. According to multiple sources, including Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, the Lakers have reached out to the Thunder about the availability of Lu Dort. His name keeps coming up as both franchises have well-aligned interests this summer.

The Lakers are a potential landing spot for Lu Dort, per @MikeAScotto

“Dort has a team option for $17.22 million for the upcoming season that several front executives who spoke with HoopsHype are projecting the Thunder to exercise, then consider flipping Dort on the trade… pic.twitter.com/QuLfYH2BUt

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 21, 2026

OKC Forced to Trim the Roster, Lakers in Search of Defenders

Oklahoma City finds itself in a tricky financial situation. With 15 players already under contract and two first-round picks to use in the draft (at picks 12 and 17), the franchise must reduce its payroll to avoid exceeding the second apron. Lu Dort, whose team option for 2026-2027 is worth $17.2 million, stands out as one of the most obvious trade candidates.

The Thunder are expected to first exercise that option before exploring trade possibilities. The goal is partly to make room to extend Isaiah Hartenstein, on whom OKC holds a team option worth $28.5 million. With Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace, Jared McCain and Alex Caruso already on the roster, Dort’s place in the rotation is no longer guaranteed.

READ ALSO

What Does the Future Hold for the Thunder After Their Conference Finals Exit?

June 1, 2026

Nicolas Flamecourt

On the Lakers‘ side, the need is clear. Los Angeles finished the regular season ranked 20th in the league in defensive rating before being swept by the Thunder in the second round of the playoffs. The franchise is looking for a player capable of supporting Dončić and LeBron while taking on the opposing team’s best perimeter player night after night.

A Profile Destined to Leave?

Dort seems to fit the Lakers’ needs. Named to the All-Defensive First Team in the 2024-2025 season, the Canadian guard is recognized for his defensive versatility, physical strength and ability to guard multiple positions. Sturdy enough to handle bigger forwards, yet mobile enough to stay with quicker guards.

However, his offensive numbers from last season temper the enthusiasm: 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, with just 38.5% shooting from the field and 34.4% from three-point range — the worst shooting stats of his career outside his rookie season. A notable step back compared to his championship season, when he shot 43.5% from the field and 41.2% from three.

PLAYER PROFILE

Luguentz DORT

Position(s): Guard / Forward

Height: 194 cm

Age: 27 (04/19/1999)

Nationality:

2025-2026 Stats / NBA

PTS

7.8

#289

REB

3.4

#255

AST

1.3

#336

Dort himself has not hidden his attachment to Oklahoma City. “The conversation will obviously happen, but it hasn’t yet because we just lost,” he said in the aftermath of the elimination against the Spurs. “I have enormous trust in this franchise and in Sam. I’m really grateful for everything he has done for me so far, so of course I want to stay here. This franchise and this city have truly shaped me as a person and as a player. The conversation will happen and my number one goal will obviously be to stay here. It’s like a second home to me.”

Undrafted out of Arizona State in 2019 and now NBA CHAMPION in Year 6… Luguentz Dort! pic.twitter.com/v0FZI3nsGZ

— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2025

While Aaron Wiggins already appears to be on his way out of the Thunder, Dort could follow the same path. The question remains whether the Lakers will be willing to pay a steep price for a player with real offensive limitations, and whether the Thunder will agree to let go of one of the key architects of their championship.