The Rockets have no untouchable players! This summer, they may explore trading Durant: Lakers among many potential destinations.

On April 28 Beijing time, according to The Ringer reporter Michael Pina, if Rockets star Kevin Durant is traded in the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the many teams interested in acquiring him. Currently in the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers lead the Rockets 3-1. Durant missed three of those games due to injury and was also absent in the Rockets' fourth victory.

Pina stated that the Rockets are approaching a "earthquake-level" offseason, with no player considered untouchable and no coach deemed irreplaceable.

If the Rockets believe their current roster is still far from championship contention,they might explore the possibility of trading Durant this summer.Players including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Darius Garland have all been added to the Rockets' watchlist. The team is prepared to act aggressively this summer to pursue a superstar.

Are the Lakers interested in acquiring Durant?

True. Michael Pina reported that once Durant is placed on the trading block, multiple teams including the Lakers have varying degrees of interest in him.

Which teams might pursue Durant?

The report lists up to 21 potential suitors: Heat, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Mavericks, Pistons, Knicks, Raptors, Hawks, Magic, Lakers, Nuggets, Hornets, Wizards, Warriors, Pacers, Jazz, 76ers, Celtics, Cavaliers, Bucks, Clippers.

Durant's contract runs through the 2026-27 season, with a player option for 2027-28. This means if he is traded in the offseason, the team acquiring him could have the former regular-season MVP for multiple consecutive seasons.

During the regular season, Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, with a shooting percentage of 52.0% and a three-point percentage of 41.3%. He remains a top-tier scorer in the league and played 78 regular-season games for the Rockets before the playoffs, showcasing impressive availability.

Decisions regarding the Lakers' current roster

When the offseason arrives, the Lakers will face numerous roster decisions, with the core issue being James becoming an unrestricted free agent.

The first-round series proves that James still possesses the capability to lead a team, having secured three consecutive wins against the Rockets. During the playoffs, with Doncic and Reaves unavailable, James still led the team strongly, aiming to advance to the next round.

Potential impact of acquiring Durant

If they acquire Durant, the Lakers would add another top offensive core, but this trade likely requires giving up draft assets as part of the deal.

Even if they trade Durant in the offseason, the Rockets retain competitiveness for the playoffs. Notably, less than a year ago, the Rockets traded the 2025 NBA first-round 10th pick, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green to acquire Durant.

Currently, the Lakers remain focused on this season's playoff journey. However, if a superstar like Durant enters the trade market, the Lakers' offseason operations will undoubtedly become a focal point of external attention.