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Lakers Could Pursue Jalen Smith in Potential Trade Package The Los Angeles Lakers could make another move before the start of the 2026-27 NBA season, with Chicago Bulls big man Jalen Smith emerging as a potential target for the franchise. Los Angeles has been looking for additional frontcourt depth after reshaping its roster during the offseason. Although the Lakers already acquired Walker Kessler, another versatile big man could provide valuable insurance and give head coach JJ Redick more options in the rotation. According to the latest reports, one possible trade framework would involve the Lakers sending Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy to Chicago, potentially alongside draft compensation, in exchange for Smith. It is important to stress that this is currently a proposed trade scenario rather than a confirmed negotiation between the two teams. There is no indication that Los Angeles and Chicago have formally agreed to such a deal. The idea makes sense from the Lakers' perspective because Smith could address one of the team's remaining weaknesses. At 6-foot-10, the 26-year-old can provide size, rebounding and the ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting. Smith is also coming off a productive season with the Bulls. He averaged 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 53 games, while shooting 37.3 percent from three-point range on 4.2 attempts per game. That shooting ability could be particularly attractive for a Lakers team built around Luka Doncic. Having a big man capable of playing away from the basket could create additional driving lanes and spacing for Doncic and Austin Reaves. Smith would also provide another option behind Kessler. The Lakers currently have limited frontcourt depth, and their roster contains considerably more wings than traditional big men. For Chicago, receiving younger players such as Knecht and Hardy could also be appealing as the Bulls continue reshaping their roster. Knecht is viewed as a potentially useful shooting wing, while Hardy would give Chicago another young guard to evaluate. The Lakers also face a roster-management issue. Los Angeles currently has 16 players on guaranteed standard contracts and must reduce that number to 15 before opening night. A consolidation trade could therefore solve two problems at once by turning multiple roster spots into a single frontcourt contributor. Smith is entering the final season of his contract, which could also make the potential move easier to structure financially. His expiring deal could give the Lakers flexibility while adding a player capable of contributing immediately. For now, there is no guarantee that the Lakers will make the move. The organization could ultimately decide to keep Knecht or Hardy, or simply make another roster adjustment before the regular season. However, with Los Angeles still searching for the right balance around Doncic and Kessler, Jalen Smith is a name worth watching as the new NBA season approaches.