The Los Angeles Lakers are known for their aggressive moves to acquire top talent, and this offseason is no different. Rumors are circulating that the Lakers could be targeting Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell to join forces with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Although this potential trade is considered unlikely, it’s an intriguing possibility that has been discussed in various reports.
Bleacher Report recently highlighted an “ambitious” trade target for every NBA team, and for the Lakers, that target is Donovan Mitchell. According to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, the Lakers’ potential trade package for Mitchell could include Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and three first-round picks.
Favale acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a three-star model under the current salary cap constraints but notes that the Lakers might be a unique case due to LeBron James approaching his 40th birthday in December
Other teams can (and will) dangle stronger packages for Mitchell. But he will have a hefty say in where he goes one year out from free agency. And for their part, the Lakers are armed with real stuff to offer—mainly some combination of three firsts, two swaps, five seconds, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura,” Favale wrote.
Mitchell has two seasons remaining on his five-year, $163 million contract, with a $35.4 million cap hit for the 2024-25 season. Acquiring Mitchell would not only mean trading for his current deal but also likely committing to a lucrative contract extension to keep him in Los Angeles. Currently, Cleveland remains optimistic that they can extend the five-time All-Star.
The possibility of Mitchell leaving Cleveland hinges on whether he signs a contract extension this offseason. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, and Jason Lloyd, there is a “growing sentiment” that Mitchell will commit to an extension with the Cavaliers. However, if an extension is not agreed upon, the Lakers might see an opportunity to land another superstar to bolster their roster.
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