The Chicago Bulls closed the 2024-25 season with a 39-43 record, finishing fifth in the Central Division and barely grabbing the 9th seed in the East. They reached the Play-In Tournament but made no impact in the playoffs, marking their second straight losing season. They showed some encouraging signs. Coby White led the scoring at 20.4 points per game, Nikola Vucevic delivered a steady double-double, and new addition Josh Giddey handed out 7.2 assists per night. Still, the bigger picture didn’t change — too many ups and downs, not enough progress.
Instead of tearing things down, the front office decided to stay the course. They brought back Tre Jones, traded Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro, and added rookie Noa Essengue. But none of those moves shifted the needle much. Critics see them as half-steps too cautious to chase contention, but too safe to start over. The Bulls remain stuck in no-man’s land.
Why Ayo Dosunmu Could Be Traded
Ayo Dosunmu has started popping up in trade chatter as of late. With the Bulls bringing in Isaac Okoro, it looks like they may already have his replacement in place. Dosunmu is entering the final year of his contract, and his gritty, defense-first style gives him real value as a trade piece. That’s where the Lakers enter the picture.
Ayo Dosunmu to Lakers Proposed Trade and Breakdown
Bulls Receive: Dalton Knecht
Lakers Receive: Ayo Dosunmu
What Dosunmu Brings to the Lakers
Dosunmu put together a strong season before a left shoulder injury shut him down early. Now 25 and hitting his prime, he brings exactly the kind of traits that complement high-usage stars. He defends with intent, moves the ball willingly, and doesn’t need touches to be valuable.
His jumper still raises some questions, but there’s real progress to point to. He hit 40.3% of shots from beyond the arc last season on nearly four attempts per game. Put him alongside playmakers like Luka Doncic, LeBron James, or Austin Reaves, and there’s a good chance his efficiency climbs even more.
The advanced numbers back him up: 59% shooting on half-court drives, 44% on catch-and-shoot threes, and a 65.5% effective field goal percentage overall. He’s not built to carry a scoring load, but he’s quietly efficient when slotted into the right role.
And here’s the kicker: his contract is affordable and easy to fit. For a Lakers team retooling its supporting cast, Dosunmu checks a lot of boxes. They could use him as a rotation piece or even a starter, depending on matchups. His ability to defend multiple positions and operate both on and off the ball gives L.A. real lineup flexibility heading into 2025–26.
Why the Bulls Should Take Dalton Knecht
Chicago gets a real shot at fixing its perimeter shooting issue with this trade. Dalton Knecht, the Lakers’ 2024 first-round pick, already proved he can knock down shots at a high level. He hit 37.6% from deep as a rookie, often drilling tough looks off curls, flare screens, and in transition. His role shrank after Luka Doncic joined the roster, and the Lakers nearly sent him to Charlotte before that deal collapsed. In the playoffs, he barely touched the floor with three DNPs in five games against Minnesota. Defense remains a weakness, but in Chicago’s rebuilding setup, he’ll have space and time to improve.
Most importantly, Knecht fits their timeline. He’s 24, still on a rookie contract, and immediately helps stretch the floor. Whether he comes off the bench or earns a starting spot down the line, he gives the Bulls a long-term wing option, something Patrick Williams never fully became.
A Win-Win Swap
This trade doesn’t need draft picks. It’s a straight player-for-player swap; something both front offices have already embraced. The Bulls already dealt Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey and moved Lonzo Ball to Cleveland for Isaac Okoro. This deal would follow that same pattern.
The Lakers would strengthen their backcourt by adding a tough, low-usage guard who defends and competes on every possession. The Bulls, meanwhile, would take a low-risk shot on a wing who can shoot and still has room to grow. Both teams get what they need without messing up their cap sheet or long-term flexibility.
The Bottom Line
Ayo Dosunmu won’t generate headlines, but he fits what the Lakers are missing. And from the Bulls’ side, moving him now before they lose him for nothing feels smart. Dalton Knecht gives them shooting, upside, and team control. It’s a clean way for both teams to improve without overthinking it.
