There’s an unexpected trade target that was recently linked to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the offseason.
In the Chicago Sun Times’ Joe Cowley’s opinion, the Lakers could trade for a former Cleveland Cavaliers All-Rookie forward who was traded to the Chicago Bulls before the start of the 2025-26 season.
“After landing (Caleb) Wilson with the No. 4 pick and finding no takers on a trade for (Patrick) Williams, (Bryson) Graham will send (Isaac) Okoro to the Lakers for a package that includes future draft assets,” Crowley wrote Sunday. While Okoro was solid with the Cavaliers during his five-year stint with the franchise, his inability to take the next step as a playmaker propelled the franchise to ship him to Chicago for Lonzo Ball (he contributed 6.1 points on 46.4% shooting from the field and 37.1% shooting from beyond the arc in his final season with Cleveland).
The Auburn product wasn’t spectacular with the Bulls this year, averaging 9.3 points while connecting on 46.0% of his field goals and 33.0% of his three-point jumpers in 62 contests. There’s no reason for the Lakers to be highly intrigued by Okoro’s skill set, as he’s taken a step back as a perimeter shooter and has noticeable offensive limitations that overshadow his defensive capabilities.
Los Angeles has proven they’re full of surprises, though, which could result in Crowley’s unlikely trade idea materializing this offseason.
