Lakers Rumor: Los Angeles Targets Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in Grizzlies Trade Talks, Inquire About Donte DiVincenzo With Timberwolves, per Report.

The Los Angeles Lakers are once again at the center of NBA trade buzz as they look to retool their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. According to NBA insider Sam Amico, the Lakers have held exploratory conversations with the Memphis Grizzlies about bringing back former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP), and have also reached out to the Minnesota Timberwolves about the availability of sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo.

These potential moves signal a clear direction from the Lakers’ front office: improve the team’s perimeter shooting, bolster defensive consistency, and add proven playoff experience. As the 2025 season looms, Los Angeles is determined not to waste the twilight years of LeBron James’ legendary career. Let’s take a deep dive into the rumors, what the moves would mean, and how they could reshape the Western Conference landscape.

KCP Reunion on the Horizon?

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was a critical piece of the Lakers’ 2020 NBA Championship squad, offering two-way versatility, tough defense, and timely three-point shooting. Since departing Los Angeles, KCP has only increased his value, contributing significantly to the Denver Nuggets’ championship run in 2023 and remaining a model of consistency.

Now with the Memphis Grizzlies after a surprising trade earlier this offseason, KCP might not stay long in Tennessee. Sources tell Amico that the Lakers have “checked in” on his availability, with hopes of rekindling the chemistry he had with LeBron and AD. It’s not hard to see why — Caldwell-Pope brings veteran savvy, defensive prowess, and spot-up shooting that the Lakers sorely lacked at times last season.

From a fit standpoint, KCP would likely slot seamlessly into the Lakers’ starting five or become a high-impact sixth man. His off-ball movement, defensive discipline, and championship pedigree are precisely what the Lakers need heading into a year where pressure will be at an all-time high.

Donte DiVincenzo: The Sharpshooter LA Needs?

The Lakers’ interest in Donte DiVincenzo is also notable, even if more complicated. Currently a member of the Timberwolves following a surprise offseason trade from the Knicks, DiVincenzo averaged 15.2 points per game on 40.1% shooting from deep last season. He’s a gritty competitor, a streaky yet dangerous shooter, and someone who can swing a playoff game with a single hot quarter.

The Lakers reportedly reached out to the Timberwolves about DiVincenzo’s availability, though no deal appears close. The challenge with acquiring DiVincenzo lies in Minnesota’s current roster construction. With the Wolves in full “win-now” mode themselves, moving a high-impact rotation piece like DiVincenzo would likely require the Lakers to part with real value — potentially draft picks or young assets such as Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, or even Rui Hachimura.

Still, the Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, seems committed to exploring all avenues to bolster the team’s depth and shooting. The hope would be to surround LeBron and AD with multiple high-IQ, floor-spacing guards who can also defend at a high level — exactly what DiVincenzo brings to the table.

Why Now? Lakers’ Urgency Grows

The timing of these conversations isn’t accidental. With LeBron James committing to at least one more season in purple and gold — and with Bronny James joining the roster — the Lakers face mounting pressure to compete now, not later. Despite last season’s rollercoaster ride, the Lakers made it clear they believe the core of LeBron and AD can still contend with the right pieces.

Yet the Western Conference is as loaded as ever. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves have continued to ascend. Even the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks are reloading for deeper playoff pushes. The Lakers know that standing pat is not an option — especially when they have expiring contracts and a limited window with LeBron.

Acquiring KCP or DiVincenzo — or both — would represent a commitment to a modern style of play: perimeter-oriented, defense-first, and deeply experienced. The Lakers were among the worst three-point shooting teams in the league in key stretches last season. That simply cannot continue if they hope to avoid another early playoff exit.

Trade Mechanics and Cap Challenges

There’s no sugarcoating it: fitting either player into the Lakers’ cap sheet won’t be easy.

KCP is earning roughly $14 million per year, while DiVincenzo’s deal sits around $11 million annually. The Lakers would likely need to move one or both of their mid-sized contracts — think Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, or even D’Angelo Russell — to make salaries match.

Vincent, in particular, has been mentioned in trade speculation. Injuries derailed his first season in Los Angeles, but he could be attractive to a Memphis or Minnesota team that values defensive toughness and playoff experience. Meanwhile, Russell remains a polarizing figure — brilliant offensively when hot, but often exposed defensively in postseason play.

Don’t be surprised if future draft picks, including second-rounders or distant firsts, are involved in these conversations too. With the Stepien Rule limiting the Lakers’ draft flexibility, any deal would need to be carefully constructed.

What the Additions Would Mean

If the Lakers manage to land either player, the ripple effects would be massive:

• KCP would provide a stabilizing veteran presence, guard the opposing team’s best perimeter threat, and bring invaluable championship experience.

• DiVincenzo would bring youth, energy, and the kind of shooting gravity that opens up space for LeBron and AD to operate.

Even more intriguing is the possibility that both could arrive, although such a scenario would likely require a three-team trade or significant asset sacrifice.

In either case, the Lakers would be signaling to the rest of the NBA that they are all-in on 2025. With LeBron turning 41 during the season, every move matters. And with AD still in his prime, the time to maximize this championship window is now.

Fan Reaction and Media Buzz

Fan reactions have been mixed but mostly positive. Many longtime Lakers supporters remember KCP fondly and see him as a perfect fit for the current roster. Others are intrigued by DiVincenzo’s upside and ability to catch fire from deep, something the Lakers desperately need.

NBA analysts have also chimed in. ESPN’s Zach Lowe said, “If the Lakers can pull off either deal, that’s a home run. If they somehow pull off both? They’re right back in the contender conversation.”

Meanwhile, social media continues to buzz. Lakers Twitter has already posted mock trades, rotation projections, and jersey edits for both players. The excitement is palpable — but it will take action, not just rumors, to satisfy a fan base hungry for banner No. 18.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ reported interest in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Donte DiVincenzo shows an aggressive, win-now mindset heading into the 2025 NBA season. With LeBron James nearing the end of his career and Anthony Davis still playing at an elite level, the time to act is now.

Whether these conversations materialize into real trades remains to be seen. But the Lakers aren’t sitting still — and that alone should give fans reason to believe that Rob Pelinka and the front office are working behind the scenes to bring championship-caliber basketball back to Crypto.com Arena.

The West will be tough. The margin for error is razor-thin. But with smart moves and veteran reinforcements, the Lakers might just have one more title run left in them.