The Los Angeles Lakers just got swept out of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder. And now, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers have called the Thunder to ask about trading for Lu Dort.
That’s not a typo. They got run off the floor by OKC. Then they picked up the phone and called the same team about one of their key guys.
Stein reported on his Substack that the Lakers have inquired about Dort’s availability. The Thunder are in a roster crunch situation. They have 15 players under contract and two first-round picks at No. 12 and No. 17 this year unless they make a draft-night deal. So there’s a belief around the league that Oklahoma City might be willing to move Dort, especially after picking up his $17.2 million team option to free up cash to re-sign Isaiah Hartenstein.
Dort averaged 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds during the regular season. In the playoffs against the Lakers, his shooting was rough — just 41 percent from the field. But he’s known as a lockdown defender, and that’s clearly what Los Angeles is after.
The Lakers also want a big man
It’s not just a wing they’re looking for. Stein also reported that the Lakers have their eyes on veteran centers. Two names that keep coming up are Mitchell Robinson with the Knicks and Robert Williams III with the Trail Blazers. Both players are reportedly open to staying where they are, but the Lakers are expected to be aggressive in free agency for big men.
Los Angeles made some noise this postseason. They knocked out the Houston Rockets before running into Oklahoma City, who swept them and then advanced to the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder eventually lost to the San Antonio Spurs in that series.
But the Lakers are clearly trying to retool. And calling the team that just embarrassed you? That’s either bold or desperate. Maybe a little of both.
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