Could The Lakers Be After Lu Dort This Summer?

On February 3, Lu Dort made a quiet business decision that may have impacted both his own life and the direction of NBA free agency this summer. Dort quietly signed with Rich Paul's Klutch Sports Group in what on the surface might seem like a minor agency switch. But in the modern NBA, this may easily have a domino effect, and Lakers fans have every reason to be excited about it. 

Dort is on the final guaranteed season of his 5-year/$82 million deal with Oklahoma City, and the Thunder hold an $18.2 million team option for the 2026–27 season.  But with OKC now committed to massive contracts for both Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, with each of their young stars set to earn $41.5 million next season, cap space is a concern for the Thunder. Throw in the fact that Cason Wallace, whose 3-and-D role and stats are very similar to Dort's, has a $7.4 million team option compared to $18-plus million and is four years younger, and the math starts to make sense. 

Based on their current roster build, the Lakers have obvious needs, one of which Dort fills perfectly. Los Angeles has struggled to defend elite wings and scoring guards, as evidenced by the Thunder's 121–92 win over the Lakers back in November. Dort is one of the league's best two-way players who can guard both on the perimeter and in the paint, while also shooting a high percentage from downtown.  A career 35% three-point shooter who doesn't need plays called for him makes Dort a natural fit next to ball-dominant stars.

The numbers don’t tell the whole story. Currently averaging 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, Dort’s real value shows up on the defensive end, where he is constantly assigned to the opposing team’s best offensive player. That elite perimeter defense earned him All-Defensive First Team honors and helped lead OKC to a championship last season.

Now that Dort is represented by Paul, the Lakers may have a “head start” when it comes to potentially acquiring the 3-and-D specialist, whether via trade or, eventually, free agency. The relationship between Klutch and the Lakers' front office is well-established, and in the modern NBA, relationships off the court go a long way on the court.