NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Urged to Target $27 million Chicago Bulls’ Star in Midseason Trade to bolster squad around LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers may have bolstered their frontcourt with the arrivals of Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, but questions still linger about the team’s three-point shooting from the big man position.

Now, a potential midseason trade for Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith is emerging as a logical solution—and it might involve sending promising rookie Adou Thiero the other way.

Los Angeles Lakers’ Frontcourt Overhaul: What’s Been Done So Far

Heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, the Lakers’ new-look roster centers around the superstar duo of Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Joining them are two athletic centers:- Deandre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick (2018), brings scoring and rebounding.- Jaxson Hayes, retained via free agency, continues as a reliable backup with rim-running capabilities.Despite these additions, Los Angeles has yet to address a glaring gap: floor-spacing from the frontcourt. Missed opportunities to acquire shooters like Myles Turner or Brook Lopez leave the Lakers vulnerable in a stacked Western Conference.

Why Jalen Smith Makes Sense for L.A.

Jalen Smith, currently with the Chicago Bulls, checks a lot of boxes the Lakers need.

Standing 6-foot-10, he combines shooting range with explosive athleticism, making him a valuable fit in head coach JJ Redick’s offense.

Jalen Smith – Key Stats (2024-25 with Chicago Bulls)

While his outside shooting dipped from his impressive 42.4% from three with the Indiana Pacers in 2023-24, Smith remains a legitimate deep threat. A change of scenery, particularly into a more open offensive system, could help him regain form.

Proposed Trade Package

To make the deal work financially and competitively, the Los Angeles Lakers could package:- Adou Thiero – 2025 second-round pick (No. 36 overall), a 6-foot-6 two-way guard with potential- Maxi Kleber – Veteran forward with an expiring $11 million contractThis move would allow the Bulls to invest in Thiero as a project player while giving the Lakers immediate rotational help.

Why It’s Worth the Risk for the Los Angeles Lakers

- Offensive Versatility: Smith can stretch the floor and finish at the rim, a combination lacking in both Ayton and Hayes.- Lineup Flexibility: Smith and Hayes can play together—Smith spotting up on the perimeter, Hayes rolling to the rim.- Enhanced Playmaking: With elite passers like Dončić and James, Smith would benefit from a consistent diet of open looks and lob opportunities.As Dean Simon of The Sporting News wrote, “Placement in the right offensive system might see the former lottery pick return to his old ways in 2025-26.”Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks Reportedly Eyeing $19.5 million Boston Celtics Big Man Amid Roster ReshuffleThe Los Angeles Lakers don’t have to settle for their current frontcourt. By targeting Jalen Smith in a trade involving Adou Thiero and Maxi Kleber, they could solve one of their biggest strategic weaknesses. It’s a gamble—especially letting go of a young asset like Thiero—but the potential upside of unlocking Smith’s shooting and athleticism next to Dončić and James could be the missing piece for a deep playoff run.