Lakers Interested in Trade Reunion With Championship Player: Report

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly expressed interest in former NBA Championship guard via trade

Oct 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) holds up the MVP trophy after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images | Kim Klement-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in an interesting position heading into next year, with the future of LeBron James in question with his contract only keeping him on the books through the 2025-26 season. In addition, the team seemingly has their focus shifted to Luka Doncic and his long-term future with the franchise.

This offseason, the team has made moves such as signing Deandre Ayton after his buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers and recently adding Marcus Smart after his buyout from the Washington Wizards. However, Smart might not have been their first choice, as a new report from ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel indicates the Lakers checked in on a member of their 2020 NBA Finals team.

The Lakers discussed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Donte DiVincenzo as potential trade targets with the Grizzlies and Timberwolves, sources told @ClutchPoints.

KCP talks happened after he was included in the Bane-ORL trade. MIN immediately turned down DiVincenzo talks. https://t.co/kN3jZ7HgdH

— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) July 21, 2025

According to Siegel's latest report, the Lakers had discussions with the Memphis Grizzlies about Kentavious Caldwell-Pope after he was acquired in the Desmond Bane deal. In addition, the Lakers also inquired about ex-New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo, with the Minnesota Timberwolves turning that down.

Caldwell-Pope served as the Lakers' starting shooting guard during their 2020 NBA Bubble run, finishing with an NBA Finals victory over the Miami Heat. Caldwell-Pope averaged 10.7 points and shot 37.8% from three throughout that postseason.

Welcome Alex Caruso to the exclusive club of active players with multiple championships!

LeBron James
Stephen Curry
Klay Thompson
Draymond Green
Kevon Looney
Kevin Durant
Kawhi Leonard
Jrue Holiday
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Alex Caruso💍🏆 pic.twitter.com/s6jaFik6Jd

— NBA University (@NBA_University) June 23, 2025

Looking at what a deal for Caldwell-Pope could've looked like for Los Angeles, the Grizzlies could've taken on the expiring contracts of Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, to go along with the Lakers' 2032 second-round pick, in exchange for Caldwell-Pope. This way, the Grizzlies would get $22.5 million off the books next offseason, with Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract extension set to kick in then.

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