The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly targeting New York Knicks wing Mikal Bridges as their new ideal trade acquisition. This push comes as the team looks to improve a roster that recently lost four of its last five games, including a 110-115 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026. Lakers analyst Trevor Lane identified Bridges as a perfect fit to solve the team's need for a starting-caliber forward.
Why are the Los Angeles Lakers seeking a trade?
The Lakers' pursuit of a wing began this summer with Jonathan Kuminga, but he signed with Minnesota. That left a hole in the starting lineup next to Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler. The team's recent form highlights the urgency. Their last five results show a 1W-4L record, with four consecutive losses before a single win. Jarred Vanderbilt, earning $12.4 million for the 2026-27 season, is seen as a potential salary-matching piece in any deal. Moving his contract is viewed as key to creating flexibility.
Lane explained the logic. "The ideal trade would be to find a way to move off of Jarred Vanderbilt’s salary in the process." he said. The Lakers have a solid unit, but their championship viability is a major question. Adding a high-level wing could provide the necessary upgrade. You can track the team's ongoing performance on our [stats](/stats) page.
Who is the Lakers' top trade target?
Analysts point directly to Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks. Lane named Bridges and OG Anunoby as the archetypal players who would fix the Lakers' issues. "Obviously OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, these guys would be great options." Lane added. Bridges, a proven champion, would represent a significant defensive and offensive upgrade.
He is a much taller and more robust option than current starting wing Quentin Grimes. Acquiring Bridges would allow Grimes to slide to his natural shooting guard spot or a sixth-man role. This positional shift would improve perimeter defense immediately. Bridges also brings remarkable durability, having played all 82 games in each of the last four seasons.
Is a Mikal Bridges deal realistic for the Lakers?
Executing a trade for Bridges presents major financial hurdles. The Knicks star is on a contract paying around $33.4 million annually. A deal would almost certainly require Vanderbilt plus one or two other mid-level contracts like Jaden Hardy or Jake LaRavia to match salaries. It would likely need a third team or extra assets to complete. The Knicks have little reason to break up a core that just won a championship, but clearing salary for bigger deals like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns might appeal.
For the Lakers, the cost is high but the potential reward is a two-way star who changes their ceiling. Vanderbilt's $12.4 million salary for next season and $13.3 million player option for 2027-28 make him a tough contract to move alone. He's viewed around the league as a depth piece, so the Lakers would need to attach positive assets. The team's tight cap space means any move depends on other teams' willingness to deal. Check the latest roster moves on our [squad](/squad) page.
What does this mean for the Lakers' season?
The Lakers' recent struggles, culminating in that 110-115 loss to Oklahoma City, underscore the need for a roster shake-up. Relying on the current group has yielded inconsistent results. Adding a player of Bridges' caliber would be a direct response to those struggles. He would provide a reliable scoring option, elite perimeter defense, and championship experience.
Without a trade, Vanderbilt and others will be asked to fill larger roles. But the front office appears focused on finding an upgrade. The clock is ticking to build a true contender around Luka Doncic. A deal for Mikal Bridges would be a bold statement, but pulling it off remains a complex challenge requiring multiple teams to cooperate.
