The Los Angeles Lakers have officially set their sights on one of the NBA’s premier big men, as a new report reveals that the franchise is willing to part with key contributors Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura in a trade package for Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo. This bold move signals just how aggressively the Lakers intend to pursue upgrades this offseason in an effort to return to championship contention.
The Heat, following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign that ended without a deep playoff run, have reportedly made all of their players available for trade. This includes longtime franchise cornerstone Bam Adebayo, who has been the defensive anchor and emotional heartbeat of the team for several seasons. While the decision to potentially part with Adebayo may shock fans in South Beach, it is clear that Miami is entertaining all possibilities in an effort to reshape its roster and future trajectory.
For the Lakers, the motivation behind targeting Adebayo is straightforward. He checks several boxes the team has long struggled to fill: elite defense in the paint, switchability on the perimeter, rebounding, rim protection, and a high basketball IQ. Adebayo, a three-time All-Star and one-time All-NBA selection, remains one of the most versatile and impactful bigs in the league. At just 27 years old, he still has plenty of prime years ahead and could form a devastating defensive duo alongside Anthony Davis—assuming the Lakers manage to retain Davis in any potential reshuffling.
The willingness to include Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura in a deal underlines how serious Los Angeles is about landing Adebayo. Reaves, 26, has become a fan favorite and an increasingly important piece of the Lakers’ offensive engine. His growth over the past two seasons has been impressive, evolving from an undrafted rookie into a crafty, fearless scorer with strong playmaking ability. He averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game this past season while shooting efficiently from the floor.
Hachimura, meanwhile, offers positional size, versatility, and scoring punch. The 6-foot-8 forward has often flashed the ability to score in bunches and provide reliable minutes as both a starter and reserve. At 26, Hachimura still possesses untapped potential, and his playoff performances in past seasons have shown that he can elevate his game on the big stage.
Still, in the eyes of Lakers brass, the opportunity to land a player of Adebayo’s caliber may be too good to pass up—even if it means parting ways with young talent and fan favorites. The franchise is under pressure to maximize the remaining championship window of LeBron James, who, despite turning 40 this year, continues to play at an All-NBA level. With Anthony Davis still in his prime, adding another high-impact player to form a “Big Three” could reignite the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
The potential deal also underscores the shifting landscape in Miami. After losing key depth pieces in recent years and falling short of expectations despite the brilliance of Jimmy Butler and Adebayo, the Heat appear poised to pivot. Pat Riley and the Heat front office may view this offseason as a necessary inflection point. If the team believes its current core has peaked, flipping Adebayo for younger, controllable talent could represent a forward-looking approach.
Miami has long been a franchise that prioritizes culture and competitiveness. Letting go of a player like Adebayo would not be a decision taken lightly. He embodies “Heat Culture” in many ways, and his departure would represent the end of an era. But with Butler aging and the team unable to capitalize on its 2023 NBA Finals appearance, the organization may be ready to retool rather than continue treading water.
For the Lakers, this type of trade would not come without risk. While Adebayo is a more polished and accomplished player than either Reaves or Hachimura, trading two rotation players for one could stretch the team’s depth thin. Los Angeles already struggled with consistency and injuries this past season, and giving up two young, durable players would add pressure on the front office to build out the remainder of the roster smartly around its stars.
Moreover, Adebayo’s fit with Davis raises intriguing questions. Both players are at their best defensively near the rim, and spacing could become a concern offensively unless the Lakers surround them with high-level shooters. That said, the defensive upside of a Davis-Adebayo frontcourt is tantalizing. Few teams would be able to score consistently in the paint against that kind of interior presence, and both bigs have shown they can switch onto guards and wings when necessary.
The Heat, meanwhile, could find the Lakers’ offer appealing depending on their longer-term vision. Reaves would immediately slot in as a starting guard and playmaker, potentially forming a new backcourt duo with Tyler Herro or another young acquisition. Hachimura adds depth and could thrive in Miami’s development system, known for maximizing the potential of its players.
This report, while not signaling an imminent deal, sets the stage for what could be one of the biggest trades of the NBA offseason. The Lakers have made it clear they are not content to stand pat after a disappointing playoff exit, and the Heat seem equally open to shaking things up in pursuit of a more sustainable path forward.
It’s also worth considering how this potential blockbuster might influence the rest of the league. Rival teams in need of frontcourt help may step in with offers for Adebayo, especially if Miami’s openness to trade becomes public. Similarly, if Reaves and Hachimura are on the table, other teams could look to outbid the Heat with more attractive offers for either player.
Additionally, this type of aggressive roster retooling by the Lakers could have ripple effects across the Western Conference. Teams like the Warriors, Suns, Clippers, and Mavericks are also under pressure to compete now and could respond with their own big moves. The arms race for talent is already underway, and the Lakers’ pursuit of Adebayo signals their determination to be at the center of it.
Ultimately, while no trade is guaranteed, the public revelation of the Lakers’ willingness to part with key pieces shows that general manager Rob Pelinka and the front office are intent on making bold, transformative changes. With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career, every season becomes more urgent. Pairing him with two elite defenders and All-Star bigs in Davis and Adebayo might just give Los Angeles the formula it needs to make another deep postseason run.
As the NBA offseason gets underway, all eyes will be on the Lakers and Heat. Both are storied franchises with championship pedigrees and aggressive front offices. If the reported interest turns into real negotiations, fans could be witnessing the start of a major shakeup that redefines the balance of power in both conferences.
Stay tuned. The trade market is heating up—and Los Angeles appears ready to go all-in.
