The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new era with Luka Dončić leading the franchise after LeBron James’ departure last month. As the Lakers continue building around the six-time All-Star, one major trade involving another Western Conference contender may have quietly improved the Lakers’ outlook.
That trade came from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 2025 champions surprised the NBA by trading All-Defensive wing Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a three-team deal.
While the move was largely discussed from the Thunder’s and Hawks’ perspectives, NBA analyst Iztok Franko pointed out why it could also benefit the Lakers.
NBA Analyst Explains Why Lu Dort’s Departure to Eastern Conference Helps the Lakers
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Thunder sent Dort to the Hawks in a three-team trade that also saw former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher head to the Dallas Mavericks, while Ryan Nembhard landed in Atlanta. The Thunder received three second-round draft picks in return.
Shortly after the news broke, Franko shared his thoughts on X, explaining why the deal could be viewed as a positive development for the Lakers.
“From Lakers perspective, seeing Dort go East is good. He was OKCs best and primary option to defend Luka. Caruso and Wallace are great, more impactful overall, but don’t have the strength/bulk like Dort.”
From Lakers perspective seeing Dort go East is good. He was OKCs best and primary option to defend Luka.
Caruso and Wallace are great, more impactful overall, but dont have the strength/bulk like Dort. https://t.co/HtQqGqt5QO— Iztok Franko (@iztok_franko) July 19, 2026
Franko’s point centers on one of Dort’s biggest strengths. The 6-foot-4 guard has developed into one of the NBA’s premier perimeter defenders, earning First Team All-Defensive honors for the 2024-25 season. His combination of physical strength and relentless on-ball pressure made him one of the few defenders capable of consistently making Dončić work for every possession.
Even so, Dončić has routinely produced elite numbers against Dort. He has averaged 27.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.6 assists in 11 games. Nonetheless, Dort’s physical style often forced him into tougher shots and more difficult pick-and-roll decisions.
Meanwhile, the Thunder still have outstanding perimeter defenders in Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace, but Franko believes neither player offers the same combination of bulk and physicality that made Dort such a unique matchup against Dončić.
Interestingly, the Lakers reportedly explored acquiring Dort themselves before the trade. NBA insider Jake Fischer previously reported that Los Angeles had contacted Oklahoma City regarding Dort’s availability.
The interest made sense. Dort is in the middle of his prime, already owns a championship on his résumé, and has established himself as one of the NBA’s top 3-and-D wings. His ability to defend elite scorers while knocking down perimeter shots would have made him an ideal complement alongside Dončić and Austin Reaves, allowing the Lakers’ stars to focus more of their energy on offense.
Now, Dončić will only have to deal with one of the league’s nastiest on-ball defenders twice during the regular season.
It’s a small silver lining, but one that could make the Lakers’ path through the Western Conference slightly easier.
