Report: Lakers among teams with ‘varying degrees of interest’ in potential Kevin Durant trade

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly are one of several teams that would have interest in Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant if he’s traded in the offseason.

Los Angeles currently has a 3-1 series lead on the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, and Durant has missed three of those games due to injury, including Houston’s Game 4 win.

Are the Lakers interested in Kevin Durant?

Yes, according to the Ringer’s Michael Pina, the Lakers are among multiple teams that have “varying degrees of interest” in Durant if he becomes available via trade.

Which teams could pursue Durant?

The following teams were reported as potential suitors:

• Miami Heat
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• Portland Trail Blazers
• Dallas Mavericks
• Detroit Pistons
• New York Knicks
• Toronto Raptors
• Atlanta Hawks
• Orlando Magic
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Denver Nuggets
• Charlotte Hornets
• Washington Wizards
• Golden State Warriors
• Indiana Pacers
• Utah Jazz
• Philadelphia 76ers
• Boston Celtics
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Milwaukee Bucks
• Los Angeles Clippers

Durant is under contract in the 2026-27 season, and he has a player option for the 2027-28 campaign. So, a team could end up acquiring the former league MVP for multiple seasons if he’s dealt in the offseason.

During the regular season, Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 52.0 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from 3. He’s still an elite scorer, and he played in an impressive 78 games for Houston ahead of the playoffs.

How Kevin Durant would fit with the Lakers

Current roster decisions

The Lakers have a lot of decisions to make once the offseason rolls around, especially since LeBron James is set to be an unrestricted free agent. James has shown in the first round that he can still carry a team, leading the Lakers to three straight wins against Houston. Los Angeles has been without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the playoffs, yet James has rallied the team to potentially reach the second round.

Potential impact of adding Durant

Adding Durant would give the Lakers yet another elite offensive player, but they’d likely have to part ways with draft capital to make a deal happen. Houston could still attempt to contend even if it moves Durant in the offseason, and it’s worth noting that the Rockets traded the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green for him less than a year ago.

For now, the Lakers are focused on this season’s playoff run, but it’ll be interesting to see how they navigate the offseason if a player of Durant’s stature becomes available.