The Perfect Lakers Trade for Ayo Dosunmu
Lakers May Have Missed the Window—But It’s Not Shut Yet
The Lakers may have missed their chance to buy low on one of the most underrated contracts in the NBA, but the window to trade for Ayo Dosunmu isn’t completely shut. The 6’5″ combo guard is entering the final year of a very manageable $7.5 million deal with the Chicago Bulls.
At only 25 years old, Dosunmu offers a rare mix of value, versatility, and untapped upside that makes him an ideal Lakers target.
I wish L.A. had moved earlier when he had multiple years left on his deal. Now, with just one year remaining, the urgency has risen—but the price may have dropped. Dosunmu’s current deal still ranks among the league’s best for what he brings on both ends of the court.
Ayo Dosunmu would be one of the names to monitor on the trade market for the Lakers.
Dosunmu’s strong perimeter defense and playmaking skills on a cheap, $7.5M expiring contract should make Chicago’s 25-year-old guard an attractive trade target in the eyes of Los Angeles.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) July 9, 2025
A Plug-and-Play Fit for Contenders
Despite being listed as a guard, Dosunmu brings impressive positional flexibility. He’s logged minutes at the 1 through 4 in various Chicago lineups. While his 6’5″, 200-pound frame fits best at point or shooting guard, his energy and defensive motor allow him to switch across lineups seamlessly.
These are the types of players contending teams dream about—high-motor, low-maintenance guys who make an impact without needing the ball.
Dosunmu does more than defend. According to @NBA_University, he shot 59% on half-court drives, posted a 65.5% effective field goal percentage (EFG), and knocked down 44% of his catch-and-shoot threes last season.
His shooting, while inconsistent overall, is trending in the right direction. He’s a cerebral, second-unit floor general who can raise your floor without limiting your ceiling.
His game reminds me of a more traditional point guard version of Jaden Ivey—less flashy athletically but more grounded and system-aware. Dosunmu can run a second unit, guard multiple positions, and adapt to different schemes without ball dominance.
The Shooting Numbers Deserve a Deeper Look
Still, there are concerns. Dosunmu shot 33% from three last season—not great for a Lakers team that already struggles with spacing due to players like Jarred Vanderbilt. However, he hit 40% the year prior and holds a 36% career average. So he’s capable, just not consistent.
This inconsistency is something the Lakers must weigh carefully. They don’t need another low-volume, low-efficiency shooter.
That said, his 44% on catch-and-shoot attempts and strong EFG suggest his shot might be more reliable than the percentage alone shows. Frequent role changes and a chaotic Chicago offense likely played a role in the dip.
A Team-Friendly Contract That’s Not Easy to Match
Dosunmu’s $7.5 million salary is extremely reasonable, but fitting it into the Lakers’ current structure isn’t simple. Matching salaries would likely involve packaging two players—perhaps Gabe Vincent and one of Shake Milton or Maxi Kleber.
If Chicago wants flexibility, a pick swap is a realistic option. In recent deals, the Bulls haven’t demanded picks and struggled to move players like Patrick Williams. Of course, the “Lakers tax” could raise the price just because it’s L.A., but a pick swap is a respectable compromise. Sending out expiring vets for a 25-year-old on a value deal won’t appeal to the Bulls without something extra.
Why Dalton Knecht Shouldn’t Be a Deal-Breaker
Personally, I’d rather not include Dalton Knecht unless a deal also brings in a big. Knecht’s scoring, rebounding, and shooting touch give him long-term value on this roster. However, if you’re also acquiring someone like Jalen Smith alongside Dosunmu, I’d consider it. That combo fills both guard and frontcourt needs with Smith’s rim protection and floor-spacing potential.
That said, Knecht’s Summer League hasn’t inspired confidence. He’s been inefficient, hasn’t shown defensive growth, and hasn’t separated himself from Summer League-level competition.
If he continues to underperform, his trade value could drop. So, as much as I want to keep him, it might be smarter to move sooner if it helps land Dosunmu and Smith.
Dosunmu’s Value Might Be at Its Lowest
Last season, Dosunmu appeared in just 46 games—a significant drop from his previous 77, 80, and 76-game seasons. That dip looks like an outlier. Combined with a statistical down year, it gives the Lakers unexpected leverage. They might be catching a starting-caliber guard at his lowest market point.
Chicago hasn’t committed to Dosunmu long-term. With the franchise stuck between retooling and rebuilding, this might be the perfect time to offer them cap flexibility. Expiring deals and a swap could seal the deal.
The Right Move at the Right Time
Bulls receive: Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, and Shake Milton
Lakers receive: Ayo Dosunmu and Jalen Smith
The Lakers don’t need another star—they need reliable, smart role players who show up in big moments. Ayo Dosunmu fits that description. He’s what L.A. hoped Gabe Vincent would be before injuries disrupted the plan. He gives JJ Redick a steady, defensive-minded guard who pushes the pace and organizes the bench unit.
Smith would add depth to their center rotation as a floor spacer, playing a different style than their other backup big man, Jaxson Hayes. The deal would also open up a roster spot for the Lakers.
If Rob Pelinka is as aggressive as he was at last year’s deadline, a move for Dosunmu could be closer than people think. And if it happens, it could quietly be the move that takes this team from good to great.
