After getting swept out of the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Luka Dončić’s Los Angeles Lakers enter an offseason of uncertainty.
While LeBron James is considered the most likely of LA’s Big 3 to find a new home, according to former star guard Brandon Jennings, the franchise should consider flipping Dončić for a better fit. Jennings floated a blockbuster superstar swap of Dončić for Jayson Tatum, triggering strong pushback from the NBA world.
Brandon Jennings Gets Torched Over Luka Dončić-for-Jayson Tatum Trade Suggestion
Dončić made a concerted effort to try to return to the Lakers’ lineup in the postseason after sustaining a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on April 2. However, the six-time All-Star ultimately never suited up during their 10-game playoff run before admitting after his squad’s elimination that he was “never close to clearing” protocol.
LA’s inability to maximize James’ historic 23rd season has sparked frustration among its fan base, especially with the four-time MVP set to enter free agency this summer. Though Dončić, who led the league in scoring in the regular season (33.5 points per game), remains the Lakers’ cornerstone, Jennings believes trading him to the Boston Celtics in return for Tatum could take them to the next level.
“Get him up outta there. I like Jayson Tatum. He’s more of a star, and he fits LA,” Jennings said on Wednesday’s edition of “Gil’s Arena.”
“… Jayson Tatum in a Lakers uniform is different. With his star power? That’s just me, though. I’m keeping Bron and [Austin Reaves], but I don’t know if I’m giving AR the max, and then I gotta see what Bron will take to be a third option.”
Continuing his critique of Dončić, Jennings added that the two-time NBA scoring champion “holds the ball a lot,” making Tatum a stronger fit alongside James and Reaves.
Gil’s Arena debates on what the Lakers should do in the offseason 👀
“Get Luka up outta there. I like Jayson Tatum for the Lakers. I’m keeping Bron and AR.” @Tuff__Crowd pic.twitter.com/OHW6Yed88m
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) May 13, 2026
While Tatum has already won a championship in Boston, he returned in early March from a ruptured right Achilles tendon. The 28-year-old was later held out of the Celtics’ Game 7 first-round playoff home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers due to left knee stiffness.
As such, the NBA community on X was left baffled by the prospect of LA trading the league’s most prolific scorer in his prime for a potential downgrade coming off a major injury.
“This mf lost his mind….taking Tatum with his little leg and post-Achilles tear, man, bye drunk talk,” one user reacted.
This mf lost his mind….taking Tatum with his little leg and post Achilles tear man bye drunk talk
— Peter Parker (@courageth3cow) May 14, 2026
“These gotta be the most fried, the most goofy underachieving misfits ever,” a Lakers supporter blasted Jennings and Co.
These gotta be the most fried the most goffy underachieving misfits ever
— 4 quarter Lakers (@4QTLAL) May 13, 2026
“Ngl, not the biggest fan of watching Luka iso ball for a full game, but this still a wild take lol,” another remarked.
Ngl , not the biggest fan of watching Luka iso ball for a full game but this still a wild take lol.
— JCW (@JCWKing14) May 13, 2026
“Idiots, Mark Walter is not wasting time on these clown opinions,” one observer asserted.
Idiots, Mark Walter is not wasting time on these clown opinions
— 🏆 Al in the Cheap Seats ⚾️🏀 (@TitlesR_Forever) May 13, 2026
Meanwhile, some speculated that Jennings may be angling to “drive engagement” with a deliberately outlandish take.
“A Jayson Tatum for Luka hypothetical trade doesn’t sound like something that appears in your brain naturally. Sounds like a topic that was brainstormed in a boardroom to drive engagement,” one account suggested.
A Jayson Tatum for Luka hypothetical trade doesn’t sound like something that appears in your brain naturally. Sounds like a topic that was brainstormed in a boardroom to drive engagement https://t.co/WCTrICaFqO
— yogsterr (@yogster991) May 13, 2026
“Must be a low content day… This is str8 blasphemy lol,” another dismissed Jennings’ proposal.
Must be a low content day… This is str8 blasphemy lol lol
— Doc (@ManLook75) May 13, 2026
Fortunately for Lakers Nation, at this point, LA’s front office has shown no interest in entertaining offers for the Slovenian megastar.
