After a slow start to NBA free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers are being linked to several potential moves amid LeBron James’ concerning message about his future via agent Rich Paul. The Lakers continue to be linked to center Deandre Ayton after the former No. 1 pick received a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Additionally, the Lakers are also being connected to Damian Lillard following his surprising release by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Eric Nehm and Joe Vardon labeled the Lakers, Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors as teams pushing to sign Lillard immediately, despite the star’s Achilles injury.
“Not surprisingly, league sources say Lillard received calls from several contending teams quickly after the news of his Bucks’ ending broke,” Amick, Nehm and Vardon wrote in a July 2, 2025, story titled,”Bucks once again go big to win back Giannis — this time with a historic, daring gamble.” “League sources say the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are known to be among the many teams that would have interest in doing a deal sooner rather than later.
“The question is whether he wants to sign with a team now and rehabilitate while under their care or wait until next summer to reassess the situation. The Bucks, who will have to operate with Lillard’s money clogging their books for the next five seasons, are banking on this latest roll of the dice paying off.”
Damian Lillard Does Not Plan to Sign With a Team This NBA Season: Report
It remains to be seen if Lillard will be as eager to sign with a new team following his abrupt release. Lillard could miss the entire 2025-26 season as he recovers from an Achilles injury.
The veteran may prefer to see how a team looks closer to 2026-27 season before committing to the franchise. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Jamal Collier reported that Lillard is not expecting to sign with a team this season.
“But while it might not seem like a fitting end for Lillard’s Milwaukee stint, it arguably gives him the best possible outcome for his career moving forward,” Bontemps and Collier wrote in a July 2, article titled, “NBA free agency 2025: Ripple effects of the Myles Turner-Damian Lillard shocker.” “While at least the current expectation, sources said, is that Lillard won’t sign with anyone for the 2025-26 season, he now will get all of the money owed to him and will get the chance to spend the next 12 to 18 months rehabbing his injury then choosing his next destination for the first time in his career as an unrestricted free agent.
“Though Lillard is a free agent now, there aren’t many reasons for any team to rush to sign him now — or for him to seek a deal now.”
Dame Lillard Was Previously on a $112 Million Contract
How landing Lillard would impact James’ urgency to win immediately is unclear. The trio of Lillard, James and Luka Doncic would be intriguing, but it may be the 2026-27 season before Lillard can suit up again.
It remains to be seen what kind of a deal Lillard will command from the Lakers or another team as a free agent. Lillard was on a two-year, $112 million contract with the Bucks prior to being released. The guard is likely going to find a much more tepid market than the massive deals Lillard signed in the past.
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