The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Luguentz Dort to the Hawks on Sunday for three second-round picks. He had a few other suitors, as HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported on Wednesday that the Lakers, Nets, Raptors, and Heat were also interested in a trade. One of those teams stands out more than the rest — Los Angeles.
Trading Dort wasn't ideal for OKC, but, as Sam Presti said, it was swayed by finances. It was justified, but still hard to accept. Fans are still processing it, trying to accept it, a feat that would've been more difficult had he ended up with the Lakers.
Los Angeles isn't a threat to OKC, but getting Dort out of the West entirely was the right move. And as Scotto added, Atlanta wants to retain the 27-year-old beyond the 2026-27 season, as he's on an expiring $17.7 million contract, meaning he's set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer.
Knowing the Lakers, they will be lurking, hoping to lure Dort away from the Hawks.
Lakers could make another run at Lu Dort in free agency
If things don't work out as hoped for Dort in Atlanta, or if he wants to go elsewhere, you have to think that the Lakers will be at the top of his list, as long as they're still interested. It'd be hard to see them turning down a 28-year-old (the age he will be next summer) who is one of the best defenders in the league.
He'd fit well alongside Luka Dončić, which is enough for LA, a pitch that could be enough for Dort to pack up and head West.
The good news is that Dort truly has a chance to be part of something special in Atlanta, as the Hawks are on the rise. He gives them another defensive weapon, and it's a bonus that he has championship experience. The two sides could be on the path for a long-term relationship.
Until that's made official, the Lakers will likely continue to monitor Dort's situation, knowing their chance to swoop in is only right around the corner, except this time, the decision will be in his hands. And that could end up playing in their favor.
It will never feel right for Thunder fans to see Dort in anything other than an OKC jersey, but they can at least deal with seeing him in Atlanta. You can't say the same for Los Angeles.
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