The Los Angeles Lakers explored one of the biggest potential trades of the offseason before several major dominoes fell across the NBA.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Lakers held trade discussions centered around Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware before Herro was ultimately included in the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo deal that sent the All-Star guard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Scotto added that those negotiations would have required the Lakers to part with multiple first-round picks.
The report also came before Los Angeles committed to Austin Reaves on a new four-year, $185 million maximum contract, a move that effectively solidified its long-term backcourt alongside Luka Doncic.
That makes the timing of the discussions particularly interesting.
Herro would have given the Lakers another proven scorer after averaging 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 48.0% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range last season. A backcourt featuring Doncic and Herro would have created one of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive duos, though it also would have raised defensive concerns.
Ware may have been the bigger attraction.
The 22-year-old center has quietly become one of the league’s most intriguing young big men. During the 2025-26 season, Ware averaged 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 53.0% from the field and an impressive 39.5% from three-point range. His combination of size, rim protection, rebounding, and floor spacing fits almost perfectly alongside Doncic, who has repeatedly thrived playing with athletic pick-and-roll centers.
Ware is also playing on one of the league’s best value contracts. He is scheduled to earn only $4.6 million next season, with a $7.1 million team option for 2027-28 before becoming a restricted free agent. That team-friendly deal likely explains why Miami valued him so highly throughout the Giannis negotiations.
The Lakers’ interest also aligns with everything that has surfaced about their offseason priorities.
Multiple reports have stated that Luka Doncic wants the organization to acquire an elite center capable of finishing lobs, protecting the rim, and anchoring the defense. Los Angeles has since been linked to several younger frontcourt options, including Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jalen Smith, and Kel’el Ware, before Miami ultimately moved in a different direction.
Instead of using the No. 24 pick on a center, the Lakers selected Cameron Carr, one of the best shooters in the draft, signaling that they preferred to address the frontcourt through trades or free agency rather than the draft.
Although the Herro-Ware deal never materialized, it highlights how aggressive Rob Pelinka and the Lakers have been in exploring every possible avenue to improve the roster around Doncic.
With Herro now in Milwaukee and Ware no longer available through those discussions, Los Angeles continues searching for the frontcourt upgrade that has become the franchise’s top offseason priority. Whether that target ends up being Mitchell Robinson, Myles Turner or another available center, the Lakers have made one thing clear. They are determined to build a roster that maximizes Doncic’s championship window.
