NBA trade rumors suggest the Lakers could land a 9x All-Star, forming a powerful Big 3 with Luka and LeBron.

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the NBA, trade rumors are an inevitable part of the landscape. With every new season comes the potential for blockbuster deals, star players changing teams, and the ever-present speculation around how franchises will improve their rosters. As the 2025 season approaches, one particular rumor has sparked excitement across the league and among fans of the Los Angeles Lakers: the possibility of the Lakers acquiring a 9-time NBA All-Star to form a dominant Big 3 alongside Luka Dončić and LeBron James.

For Lakers fans, the idea of adding another superstar to an already stacked roster is thrilling. LeBron James, the living legend, is still playing at an elite level, and Luka Dončić, the dynamic young star, has quickly established himself as one of the brightest talents in the league. But could the Lakers really add a third All-Star caliber player to their mix? And if so, what kind of impact could this move have on their championship aspirations?

In this analysis, we’ll explore the potential trade rumors surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers, the key player involved, and how this rumored Big 3 could change the landscape of the NBA.

The Big 3 Concept: Why It Works

The “Big 3” concept has become a defining theme in modern NBA history. From the Miami Heat’s championship-winning trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh to the Boston Celtics’ legendary Big 3 of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, NBA teams have increasingly sought to pair multiple superstars together in order to maximize their chances of winning a championship. The key to the success of these Big 3s is the balance of talent, leadership, and complementary skill sets.

For the Lakers, the idea of forming a new Big 3 with Luka Dončić and LeBron James is tantalizing. Dončić, with his incredible scoring ability, court vision, and basketball IQ, has the potential to be the face of a franchise for the next decade. Meanwhile, LeBron James, at the age of 40, remains one of the most dominant players in the game, combining his scoring, playmaking, and leadership abilities to keep the Lakers relevant in the Western Conference. Adding another superstar could elevate the team to another level, allowing them to challenge the best in the league and perhaps even claim another championship.

The 9-Time All-Star: Who Could the Lakers Target?

The key piece in this potential trade is the 9-time NBA All-Star, whose name has been buzzing in recent trade rumors. While the specific player involved has not been confirmed, there are a few candidates who fit the profile of a 9-time All-Star and could plausibly be available via trade. Let’s explore some potential options that the Lakers might consider as they look to bolster their roster.

1. Damian Lillard – Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard, one of the best point guards in the NBA, is arguably the most talked-about player in trade rumors as of late. Lillard, a 9-time All-Star and one of the most electrifying scorers in the league, has long been the face of the Portland Trail Blazers. However, with Portland rebuilding and Lillard pushing 34 years old, it is possible that the Blazers will look to move their star point guard to a contending team before his prime begins to wane.

Lillard’s combination of deep shooting range, clutch scoring, and leadership could make him the perfect fit for the Lakers’ Big 3 alongside LeBron and Luka. His ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities would relieve pressure off both LeBron and Dončić, while also providing a proven scorer who can step up in big moments. If the Lakers can make the financials work and offer a package that includes young assets or draft picks, Lillard could provide the star power the Lakers need to become the dominant team in the Western Conference.

2. Bradley Beal – Washington Wizards

Another potential target is Bradley Beal, the Washington Wizards’ 9-time All-Star shooting guard. Beal has long been one of the NBA’s most consistent scorers, and his ability to create his own shot and play off of others makes him an ideal complementary piece for LeBron and Luka. Beal would fit seamlessly into the Lakers’ offense, providing an additional scoring threat alongside the two superstars. His perimeter shooting, driving ability, and basketball IQ would make him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.

Beal has expressed frustration with the Wizards’ lack of success in recent seasons, and as the team continues to rebuild, the possibility of him being traded is ever-present. A trade for Beal would give the Lakers a player with playoff experience, someone who can step up when the stakes are high, and a natural scorer who can take pressure off of Dončić and James.

3. DeMar DeRozan – Chicago Bulls

DeMar DeRozan, a 9-time All-Star known for his mid-range scoring and leadership, could also be a potential fit for the Lakers. DeRozan’s unique ability to create offense in the half-court and his experience as a veteran leader could provide the Lakers with the perfect balance to complement the high-flying, fast-paced game of Luka and the all-around brilliance of LeBron. While DeRozan isn’t known for his three-point shooting, his mid-range game is deadly, and he has the ability to score in a variety of ways.

DeRozan’s experience in high-pressure situations, particularly his ability to lead a team in the clutch, would be invaluable to the Lakers’ championship hopes. His presence on the team would provide a reliable secondary scorer who doesn’t rely solely on the three-point shot, which could be crucial in the postseason.

The Trade Package: What Would the Lakers Have to Give Up?

While the prospect of adding a 9-time All-Star to the Lakers’ roster is enticing, any trade for a player of this caliber would come at a significant cost. The Lakers are already committed to large salaries with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, so any trade would likely require the inclusion of players on expiring contracts, younger assets, and draft picks.

One potential trade package could involve players such as Russell Westbrook, whose contract is set to expire after the season, along with a combination of young players like Austin Reaves, Max Christie, and Talen Horton-Tucker. The Lakers could also include draft picks to sweeten the deal, though their ability to part with future assets could depend on how they assess the long-term viability of the Big 3.

Alternatively, the Lakers could offer some of their veteran role players, like Lonnie Walker IV, Dennis Schröder, or Patrick Beverley, who provide defensive grit, scoring, and leadership off the bench. Depending on the player they target, the Lakers may have to make more significant sacrifices, especially if the player they are after has a long-term contract.

Regardless of the specifics, the Lakers will have to get creative with their cap space and trade assets in order to make the deal work financially.

What a Big 3 of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and a 9-Time All-Star Would Mean for the Lakers

The idea of pairing LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and a 9-time All-Star on one team is nothing short of thrilling. Together, these three players would form an elite, versatile unit that could challenge any team in the NBA, both offensively and defensively. Here’s a breakdown of how they could complement each other:

• LeBron James: As the veteran leader of the team, LeBron would continue to play a pivotal role as both the primary playmaker and the team’s leader on and off the floor. While his scoring ability has declined slightly with age, his basketball IQ, court vision, and playmaking skills remain elite. LeBron would act as the glue that holds the team together, distributing the ball, setting up plays, and mentoring the younger stars.
• Luka Dončić: Luka, still in the early years of his career, is already a top-tier talent and an MVP candidate. His ability to create shots for himself and others makes him a perfect complement to LeBron. Dončić’s scoring versatility, vision, and leadership make him one of the most dangerous players in the NBA, and his ability to thrive in both the half-court and transition would give the Lakers a dynamic offense.
• The 9-Time All-Star: Whether it’s Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal, or DeMar DeRozan, the addition of a third superstar would give the Lakers a powerful scoring trio that could match up with the best in the NBA. The new All-Star would provide additional floor spacing, perimeter shooting, and another primary scoring option in the clutch, making the Lakers’ offense nearly unstoppable.

Defensively, the Lakers would also be a force to be reckoned with. LeBron, still one of the best defenders in the league when healthy, would serve as the team’s defensive anchor, while Dončić has improved his defense over the years. The new All-Star could also contribute defensively, particularly if the Lakers target a player like Beal or DeRozan, who have the size and ability to defend multiple positions.

In terms of championship aspirations, a Big 3 of LeBron, Luka, and a 9-time All-Star would give the Lakers the necessary firepower to compete with the best teams in the NBA, especially in the stacked Western Conference.

The trade rumors surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers and the potential addition of a 9-time All-Star are exciting, to say the least. While much of the speculation remains hypothetical, the prospect of forming a Big 3 with LeBron James and Luka Dončić is one that would send shockwaves through the NBA. Whether it’s through acquiring Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal, or DeMar DeRozan, the Lakers have the potential to form a championship-caliber roster.

Ultimately, if the Lakers can pull off such a trade, they will have one of the most potent and dynamic lineups in recent memory. This Big 3 would put the team in the conversation for the title, and the 2025 season could be one of their most exciting in years. While there are still many moving parts, the idea of the Lakers adding another superstar to their roster is one that has fans buzzing, and only time will tell if the rumors will turn into reality.