The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, have just sent shockwaves through the league with predictions that they will successfully acquire a key player from the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2025 offseason. Following a disappointing 1-4 loss to the Timberwolves in the first round of the 2024-25 playoffs, the Lakers are determined to bolster their roster to reclaim their championship contender status. This latest move could be the key to achieving that goal.
Background: Lakers’ Urgent Need for a Quality Center
The 2024-25 season saw the Lakers secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, powered by their superstar trio of Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. However, their playoff defeat to the Timberwolves exposed a glaring weakness: the lack of a dominant center capable of controlling the paint. Jaxson Hayes, despite his efforts, couldn’t meet expectations as the starting center, especially against teams with strong frontcourts like the Timberwolves. Naz Reid and Julius Randle of Minnesota overwhelmed the Lakers in rebounding and interior defense.
According to an Athlon Sports article dated May 31, 2025, the Lakers are targeting an ambitious acquisition: Naz Reid, the Timberwolves’ standout sixth man, widely regarded as one of the NBA’s most dynamic big men. Reid’s versatile scoring, agile defense, and impressive three-point shooting make him the perfect fit for the Lakers’ offense, which heavily relies on the playmaking of Dončić and LeBron.
Why Naz Reid Is the Ideal Target
Naz Reid, the 26-year-old big man, has proven his worth as a key bench player for the Timberwolves. During the 2024-25 playoffs, he shot an astounding 9/10 in fourth quarters, boasting a true shooting percentage of 119.5% in clutch moments. His perfect 6/6 three-point shooting in the fourth quarter and strong presence in the paint made him a nightmare for the Lakers’ defense. According to Bleacher Report (May 26, 2025), the Lakers’ lack of a mobile center capable of spacing the floor and protecting the rim was a primary reason for their playoff exit. Standing at 6’9”, Reid offers strong rebounding, defensive versatility, and a skill set that addresses these deficiencies.
The Lakers are the favorites to land Nickeil Alexander-Walker if he doesn’t stay in Minnesota, per @BovadaOfficial
Los Angeles Lakers +235
Brooklyn Nets +290
Golden State Warriors +425
Miami Heat +525
Toronto Raptors +900 pic.twitter.com/F3hcuklLXt— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 31, 2025
Moreover, Reid is in the final year of his contract with a $15 million player option. Per ESPN (May 19, 2025), if Reid opts out of his deal with the Timberwolves, the Lakers could pursue him via trade or free agency. With Minnesota facing luxury tax concerns and a payroll exceeding $250 million, retaining Reid alongside stars like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle could prove challenging.
How the Deal Could Happen
Athlon Sports predicts the Lakers could offer an enticing trade package, including players like Rui Hachimura ($18.2 million), Dorian Finney-Smith ($15.3 million), or Jarred Vanderbilt ($11.5 million), along with future draft picks. These players have trade-friendly contracts, allowing the Lakers to match salaries in a deal. Additionally, the Lakers possess valuable draft assets from the Luka Dončić trade, giving them leverage to make a compelling offer to Minnesota.
Alternatively, the Lakers could wait for Reid to hit free agency if he declines his player option, though this would likely require LeBron James to take another pay cut, as he did last offseason to facilitate roster upgrades (Heavy Sports, April 30, 2025). With Dončić committed long-term and LeBron chasing another title, the Lakers are prepared to pull out all the stops to improve their lineup.
Impact of the Acquisition on the Lakers
If this deal materializes, Naz Reid would bring perfect balance to the Lakers’ roster. Not only is he a center capable of running the floor and excelling in pick-and-roll plays with Dončić, but his three-point shooting would also create space for LeBron and Reaves to exploit defenses. Defensively, Reid’s presence would significantly improve the Lakers’ rim protection, addressing a critical weakness from the past season.
At 26, Reid is in the prime of his career, offering both immediate impact and long-term potential as LeBron approaches the twilight of his career. With a core of Dončić, LeBron, and Reid, complemented by Reaves and role players like Dalton Knecht, the Lakers could emerge as a true powerhouse in the West, ready to challenge teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.
Conclusion
The prediction that the Lakers will acquire Naz Reid from the Timberwolves is a bold yet calculated move. After a promising but ultimately disappointing season, the Lakers are showing their determination to build a championship-caliber roster. Reid’s talent and fit with JJ Redick’s system could be the final piece to propel the Lakers back to the top. While still speculative, if this deal comes to fruition, it would be one of the biggest moves of the 2025 offseason, leaving Lakers fans buzzing with excitement!