NBA trading rumors: The Lakers consider blockbuster deals involving three teams, and the joining of the old player Pope will increase the depth of the Purple and Gold Army lineup

The Los Angeles Lakers took a positive approach to strengthening their roster during the 2025 offseason. After the acquisition of DeAndrew Ayton, Jack Lavia and Marcus Smart, the Purple Golds are reportedly looking to upgrade further, especially in the backcourt.

According to Cluchpoints' Brett Siegel, the Lakers have shown a strong interest in reunion with former Lakers' Kentavio Caldwell Pope, while also pursuing Donte Divinchenzo.

After Desmond Bain's trade with the Orlando Magic were completed, Rob Pelinka and Lakers management discussed the Pope's deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

They also tried to negotiate with the Timberwolves over Divinchenzo, but the Timberwolves quickly rejected any possible deals and they were reluctant to part ways with their core rotation defender.

Sigel reported on social platform X (formerly called Twitter): "Source told @ClutchPoints that the Lakers have discussed using Kentavio Caldwell Pope and Donte Divinchenzo as potential trading targets for the Grizzlies and Timberwolves."

Although it seems unlikely to get Divinchenzo, Caldwell Pope is still a realistic target for the Lakers. The reunion with Pope could provide the Lakers with a reliable, experienced bench player.

Caldwell Pope played for four seasons with the Lakers, averaging 11.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game from 2017 to 2021. In addition, he brought much-needed championship experience, where he won championships in 2020 and 2023 respectively.

Doncic and Reeves are expected to be the starting backcourt duo, and any new member like Pope could be part of the second squad.

The Lakers may lose their former league appearance as LeBron James

Earlier in the offseason, LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million player option and returned to the Los Angeles Lakers for his eighth season. However, his future with the team remains uncertain as the team has not convinced Johnson to renew his contract.

According to people familiar with the matter, there are rumors that LeBron wants to join a new team in pursuit of his goal of a fifth NBA championship. Rumors James is considering leaving the Lakers before the 2024-25 season to reunite with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving in Dallas.

"In particular, before he chose to sign, rumors about his interest in the Dallas Mavericks: a place where he could work with former teammates Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and young new No. 1 Cooper Flag, which is hard to ignore," wrote John Hollinger of the Athletic.

James played for the Lakers for seven seasons, averaging 26.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game.

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