The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as one of the leading candidates to acquire Michael Porter Jr. if the Denver Nuggets decide to part ways with the high-scoring forward this offseason.
According to updated betting odds from Bovada, the Golden State Warriors are currently favored to land Porter (+300), followed by the Chicago Bulls (+400) and the Lakers (+600).
Other notable teams in the mix include the Orlando Magic (+700), Boston Celtics (+800), Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers (both at +900), with the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors rounding out the list.
The speculation surrounding Porter‘s future intensified after Denver’s second-round playoff elimination at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Following the series, Porter hinted that changes could be on the horizon for the Nuggets’ roster.
“Everyone in this locker room means a lot to me,” Porter said, via The Denver Post. “I’m not sure if it’ll be the same exact group next year. But whatever’s next for me, whatever’s next for this team, I know that the guys will be ready for it.”
Porter’s fit in Los Angeles comes with opportunity – and risk
Porter Jr., who was hampered by a left shoulder sprain during the series, had a rough postseason.
He averaged just 7.4 points per game, shooting 32.3% from the field and 25% from three-point range, a steep drop-off from his regular season averages of 18.2 points, 50.4% FG, and 39.5% from beyond the arc.
Despite his recent struggles, Porter remains a potent offensive weapon, and his size and shooting could be an ideal complement to a Lakers core featuring LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
However, the financial cost is significant. Porter is still owed $79 million over the next two seasons as part of the five-year, $207 million max contract he signed with Denver.
The Lakers have flexibility heading into the summer, including up to $70 million in expiring contracts, a 2031 first-round pick, and multiple pick swaps.
A potential package involving Rui Hachimura (owed $18.3 million next season) and additional salary-matching players could make a deal feasible. Still, league insiders suggest L.A.’s primary offseason focus remains on acquiring a starting center.
Reaves could be trade bait
One player who might headline any significant trade talks is Austin Reaves. Though he’s not considered untouchable, the Lakers appear unwilling to include him in any deal unless the return involves a franchise-level center.
“[Reaves] is not viewed as ‘untradeable’ because almost no one in the NBA is untradeable,” wrote Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. “But if the Lakers are going to trade him for a center, they’re going to want one that is foundationally important – a build-around type.”
Reaves, currently on a four-year, $54 million contract, is eligible for a four-year, $89.2 million extension this offseason. However, he is expected to decline that deal and test unrestricted free agency in 2026.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Reaves could command a new deal starting at $42.5 million annually depending on salary cap projections.
While Porter Jr. could add shooting depth and versatility on offense, his defensive limitations and large contract present challenges for the Lakers.
With championship aspirations in mind, Los Angeles will need to balance immediate roster upgrades with long-term salary cap flexibility. Whether that includes a blockbuster move for Porter remains to be seen.
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