Isaac Okoro is someone that the Lakers are reportedly interested in trading for. Of course, right now is the height of rumor season, and all kinds of names are being attached to the Lakers. But Okoro is the exact profile of guard the Lakers need to bolster their backcourt.
NBA insider Evan Sidery reported that the Lakers have checked in with the Bulls regarding Isaac Okoro’s availability.
The Lakers have checked in with the Bulls during trade season on Isaac Okoro.
After being traded from the Cavaliers for Lonzo Ball, Okoro has started every game for Chicago.
Okoro’s $11 million salary can be matched with one of LA’s expirings + Dalton Knecht as a sweetener. pic.twitter.com/aF8y9emlZH
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 13, 2026
From a salary perspective, the math works. His $11 million deal can be matched using one of the Lakers’ expiring contracts, with Dalton Knecht included as a sweetener.
A Clear Upgrade
Dalton has been awful this season. Despite numerous chances by coach JJ Redick, Knecht hasn’t been able to crack the rotation. He hasn’t shown up on either end of the floor. So the Lakers wouldn’t be giving up much. They would only be sacrificing his potential. But they don’t have time for him to figure things out.
The expiring contracts — either Gabe Vincent or Maxi Kleber — wouldn’t be big losses either. Neither has produced much on the floor and isn’t part of the Lakers’ future plans.
So if this deal were to go down, this would be a clear upgrade and win for the Lakers.
How Okoro Fits the Lakers
Defensively, Okoro is exactly what the Lakers lack. He’s a strong, disciplined point-of-attack defender who can guard up a position and stay attached through screens. He doesn’t gamble. That alone would ease the burden on Luka and Austin Reaves, who are currently asked to carry too much offensively while also having to survive defensively.
He’s not a great shooter, but he’s capable of hitting shots from time to time. His percentages will likely increase playing next to great playmakers like Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Offensively, he cuts decisively, runs the floor, and makes quick reads. Next to the great playmakers the Lakers have, those skills scale up. He doesn’t need touches to stay engaged, and he won’t hijack possessions. He’ll space when needed, attack closeouts, and keep the offense moving. He also brings a level of athleticism that is lacking in the backing court.
The Bottom Line
Okoro wouldn’t change the Lakers’ ceiling overnight. But he would stabilize their floor with his defense and athleticism. And it would only cost them players that aren’t giving them much value right now. So if the Bulls are willing, the Lakers absolutely need to do this deal.
