The Los Angeles Lakers are not standing pat this offseason. With a championship-caliber duo in Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the Lakers are aggressively seeking to bolster their roster to push for a title in the 2025-26 NBA season. However, one glaring issue remains: their guard depth. According to ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin, the Lakers are heading to the Las Vegas Summer League with trade negotiations at the forefront, and one name stands out as a prime target—Chicago Bulls’ rising star Ayo Dosunmu.
Lakers’ Pursuit of Guard Depth
The Lakers’ current roster, while boasting superstar talent, lacks the necessary backcourt support to compete with the league’s elite. To address this, the team is reportedly exploring trade options, with preliminary discussions focusing on several high-profile guards. Irwin reports, “According to sources with an understanding of their offseason plans speaking on the condition of anonymity, the team is hoping to reignite trade talks as the entire league embarks upon Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League.”
The Lakers are showing interest in Matisse Thybulle, Ayo Dosunmu, and Marcus Smart, per @AnthonyIrwinLA
“Sources say Matisse Thybulle, Marcus Smart (though most teams are watching to see if he’s going to be bought out), Ayo Dosunmu and others are names the Lakers have had… pic.twitter.com/GNHFiSsAkh
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 8, 2025
Among the names linked to the Lakers are Portland’s Matisse Thybulle, Memphis’ Marcus Smart (pending a potential buyout), and Chicago’s Ayo Dosunmu. While no formal offers have been made, the Lakers are actively gauging availability and trade costs for these players. Of the trio, Dosunmu’s youth, versatility, and team-friendly contract make him an especially intriguing fit for Los Angeles.
Why Ayo Dosunmu?
At just 25 years old, Ayo Dosunmu has already shown significant promise as a two-way guard. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, with shooting splits of 49.2% from the field, 32.8% from three-point range, and 78.5% from the free-throw line. These numbers highlight his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, making him a potential spark plug for the Lakers’ backcourt.
Dosunmu’s contract is another major draw. He’s entering the final year of a three-year, $21 million deal, an expiring contract that provides the Lakers with flexibility while keeping costs low. For a team looking to maximize their championship window around Doncic and James, adding a cost-controlled, productive player like Dosunmu could be a game-changer.
Chicago’s Perspective: A Critical Decision
For the Chicago Bulls, the decision to trade Dosunmu is not straightforward. The Bulls have been mired in mediocrity, and with rumors swirling about a potential roster overhaul, Dosunmu’s name has surfaced as a trade candidate. As a Chicago native and a fan favorite, trading him could be a tough sell to the fanbase. However, his value on the trade market could allow the Bulls to acquire assets to either retool around their core or kickstart a rebuild.
The Lakers could offer a package involving draft picks or young talent to entice Chicago. With the Bulls reportedly open to moving key players, Dosunmu’s availability could spark a bidding war, especially given his age and upside. The question for Chicago is whether they prioritize immediate returns or hold onto Dosunmu as part of their long-term vision.
What This Means for the Lakers
If the Lakers land Dosunmu, they’d gain a dynamic guard capable of handling the ball, defending multiple positions, and providing secondary scoring. His ability to play both on and off the ball would complement Doncic’s playmaking and James’ versatility, creating a more balanced backcourt. Additionally, Dosunmu’s youth aligns with the Lakers’ need for players who can grow alongside their star duo while contributing immediately.
The Las Vegas Summer League will serve as a critical backdrop for these negotiations. With the entire NBA converging, the Lakers have a prime opportunity to finalize their roster upgrades. Whether it’s Dosunmu or another target like Thybulle or Smart, the Lakers are clearly intent on making a splash.
Chicago’s Next Big Decision
For the Bulls, trading Dosunmu could signal the start of a new era. If they decide to move him, they’ll need to weigh the return carefully—whether it’s draft capital, a veteran contributor, or a combination of both. The Lakers, meanwhile, are poised to strike, and a deal for Dosunmu could be the blockbuster move that propels them closer to championship contention.
As the NBA offseason heats up, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see if the Lakers and Bulls can come to terms on a deal that shakes up the league. One thing is certain: the Lakers are not done making moves, and Ayo Dosunmu could be the key to unlocking their full potential.