After being swept in the Western Conference semifinals by the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder, it’s clear that the Los Angeles Lakers need to upgrade the roster over the offseason.
One way to do that would be to trade for a dominant defender who has made multiple All-Star teams over the course of his career.
Bam Adebayo Named Offseason Trade Target for Los Angeles Lakers
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat keeps the ball from LeBron James #23 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report recently named Miami Heat star center Bam Adebayo as an offseason trade target for L.A.
Such a scenario would probably only be financially feasible if LeBron James leaves the Lakers over the offseason, and at this point we don’t know if he will. But if he does, the Lakers could potentially have the cap space and assets to go hunting for a star like Adebayo to play alongside Luka Doncic.
“Assuming LeBron James leaves Hollywood, the Los Angeles Lakers will enter the summer with nearly $50 million in cap space while retaining Austin Reaves’ free-agency hold. They’ll also have the ability to dangle up to three first-round picks. Fireworks seem inevitable,” Favale wrote.
“The Miami Heat tend to avoid traditional rebuilds, but if they trend toward another empty-handed summer, it might be time to consider moving their defensive anchor as he begins a three-year extension that averages out to over 30 percent of the salary cap. His mid-range heavy shot diet is cause for pause, but he has the tools to reorient his usage around elite playmakers like Reaves and Luka Dončić.”
Will the Miami Heat Make Bam Adebayo Available?
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 26: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat reacts from the bench area during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 26, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
It’s worth noting that there has been no indication that the Heat are looking to move Adebayo, and it seems extremely unlikely that they would be willing to do so over the offseason. However, given their lack of recent postseason success – they haven’t won a playoff series since they went to the NBA Finals in 2023 – perhaps they would consider it if the right offer presented itself.
But, Lakers fans shouldn’t hold their breath for that to happen. Plus, the Lakers might be better served building out some depth with the rest of their roster, as opposed to trying to trade for another star.
Three-time NBA All-Star Named Offseason Trade Target for Los Angeles Lakers