Blockbuster Alert: Lakers Eye Devin Booker Following Kevin Durant’s Exit
In a shocking twist to an already chaotic NBA offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker following Kevin Durant’s blockbuster trade to the Houston Rockets. With Durant’s exit, Phoenix may be entering a soft rebuild—prompting speculation that Booker could eventually become available.
The Lakers, eager to build a contender around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, view Booker as an ideal third star. His elite scoring ability, clutch shot-making, and playoff experience make him a prime target for a franchise constantly chasing championships. But as appealing as Booker is, prying him from the Suns won’t be easy—or cheap.
Booker is under contract through 2028, owed over $50 million annually. For L.A. to even entertain a trade, they’d need to match salaries while navigating a tightened salary cap and second-apron restrictions. That likely means parting with multiple young assets—such as Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and possibly future first-round picks—just to make a competitive offer.
Financially, the Lakers are already near the luxury tax threshold. Taking on Booker’s max contract would limit roster flexibility and require sacrifices in depth and future cap space. It could also prevent the team from using key mid-level and trade exceptions under the new collective bargaining rules.
Sources close to the Suns, however, maintain that Booker is considered “untouchable” despite the Durant trade. Phoenix reportedly still sees Booker as the face of the franchise moving forward.
Still, in the NBA, no star is ever truly off the table. With the Western Conference landscape shifting rapidly, the Lakers could test the Suns’ resolve with a compelling offer.
For now, it’s just speculation—but where there’s smoke, there’s often fire in Hollywood.
