In the ever-evolving world of NBA trades, few teams have been as aggressive or as unpredictable as the Los Angeles Lakers. Fresh off acquiring Luka Doncic, the Purple and Gold now find themselves linked to yet another superstar: Kevin Durant.
Yes, you read that right.
According to recent speculation, the Lakers are considering a bold move that would send shockwaves across the league: a three-team blockbuster involving the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks, designed to land Durant in Hollywood.
If it happens, this wouldn’t just be a trade — it would be a seismic shift in the balance of power.
Why the Lakers Want More Than Luka?
The Lakers’ early playoff exit at the hands of the Timberwolves exposed some glaring weaknesses, particularly on the interior. The rotation featuring Jaxson Hayes, Alex Len, and Dorian Finney-Smith simply wasn’t enough to contend for a title.
But instead of addressing the center position directly, the Lakers appear to be doubling down on offense.
The idea is simple: build around LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and potentially Kevin Durant — a trio that would instantly become one of the most explosive offensive units in NBA history.
It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy — and one that only the Lakers seem willing to attempt.
Suns Looking to Move On
For the Phoenix Suns, the writing may be on the wall.
Despite investing heavily in their roster, Phoenix missed the playoffs entirely in 2025 — a costly misstep that has management rethinking its approach.
Durant remains a top-tier scorer, but his contract and age (37) make him a tough fit long-term. And with limited returns on the horizon, the Suns might be open to an exit strategy — especially if it brings them young assets, depth players, and draft capital.
That’s where the Lakers come in.
A Three-Team Framework Takes Shape
Here’s how a potential deal could look:
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Kevin Durant and Ryan Dunn
- Phoenix Suns receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and an unprotected first-round pick
- Atlanta Hawks receive: Royce O’Neale and a second-round pick
This setup gives each team something they need: the Lakers get another elite scorer, the Suns add depth and future value, and the Hawks gain a versatile defender and shooter.
And while it’s still speculative, sources suggest conversations are happening, and the Lakers are serious about making a splash.
What This Means for the Lakers
Bringing in Durant would change everything for the Lakers.
Pairing him with LeBron James and Luka Doncic creates a backcourt trio capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. It would stretch defenses thin, force double-teams, and create space for shooters and cutters.
Sure, there are concerns — mainly about defense and age — but the offensive upside is undeniable.
Durant’s ability to score from anywhere, combined with Luka’s playmaking and LeBron’s veteran savvy, makes this trio incredibly difficult to contain, especially in late-game situations.
Still, the Lakers would likely need to surround them with role players who can defend, rebound, and knock down open threes.
Risks? Absolutely. But the Lakers Aren’t Backing Down
There’s no denying the gamble involved.
Durant’s injury history, LeBron’s advancing age, and Luka’s durability questions all factor into the equation. And let’s not forget — this would mean parting ways with a valuable first-round pick, further depleting their future assets.
But in the world of the Lakers, timing is everything.
They know LeBron won’t play forever. They’ve seen what superstars can do when surrounded by the right pieces. And after years of near-misses and roster reshuffles, they’re betting on talent over caution.
Final Thought: A Gamble Worth Taking?
Could the Lakers pull off a trade that lands them LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Kevin Durant?
It sounds like fantasy basketball — but then again, so did trading for Luka.
What’s clear is that the Lakers aren’t afraid to chase greatness — even if it means burning through assets and rewriting the rules of modern roster-building.
Whether this plan leads to championships or collapses under pressure, one thing’s certain:
The Lakers are going all-in.
And if they pull it off, the NBA better be ready.