The Los Angeles Lakers’ championship window might still be open wider than anyone thought. With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career and Luka Dončić locked into a $165 million extension, Los Angeles faces the ultimate win-now pressure.
That’s exactly why one surprising trade target has emerged, a veteran guard sitting on a $63.9 million deal who could transform their offense overnight.
Why Are the Lakers Linked to CJ McCollum?
CJ McCollum landed with the Washington Wizards this offseason and carries a two-year, $63.9 million contract with a $30.7 million expiring salary in 2025-26. It’s exactly the type of deal rebuilding teams flip and contenders chase.
He averaged 21.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 56 games last season before a foot injury ended his campaign. More importantly, he’s cleared the 20-points-per-game threshold for 10 straight seasons.
PFSN’s Brandon Austin captured the league sentiment: “McCollum remains a trade chip due to his expiring contract, three-point shooting, and steady scoring… At 33, he brings leadership but may not fit Washington’s long-term vision.”
That disconnect creates the perfect opening for Los Angeles, which desperately needs immediate offense and ball security around its stars.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are building around young pieces and draft capital. An expiring veteran who doesn’t align with their timeline becomes more valuable as a deadline asset than as a usage sponge. If Washington can turn McCollum into picks or prospects, the Lakers could swoop in with the right package.
How Would a McCollum Deal Work for the Lakers?
From a roster standpoint, McCollum fills every hole the Lakers need patched: half-court creation, off-ball shooting, and clutch-time composure. He can start alongside Dončić and James or anchor bench units, switching between point guard and shooting guard. That flexibility matters with Austin Reaves thriving as a tertiary scorer and Gabe Vincent running second units.
Offensively, Dončić and James will draw so much attention that McCollum can attack the weaker defender with his pull-up jumper, pick-and-roll game, or catch-and-shoot threes.
His mid-range shooting also gives the Lakers a reliable option when the game slows down. Add Ayton as a lob and screen threat, and Los Angeles has three consistent ways to score in crunch time without overworking their superstars.
However, there are legitimate concerns to weigh. McCollum is 33 and ended last season injured, making his availability a question mark. Defensively, he holds his ground but won’t shut anyone down. That means the Lakers would need Marcus Smart’s ball pressure and solid rim protection from Ayton to cover his limitations.
The salary cap math presents another hurdle. Matching a $30.7 million expiring contract likely costs multiple players plus draft picks, forcing the Lakers to decide how many future assets they’ll sacrifice for immediate help.
But with James’ career winding down and Dončić already in championship-or-bust mode, this is exactly the type of aggressive move Los Angeles might need to make. McCollum wouldn’t just add depth; he could be the difference between another disappointing playoff exit and a legitimate Finals run.