Khris Middleton, a three-time All-Star and key player for the Milwaukee Bucks, has found himself at the center of NBA trade rumors, with potential interest from the Los Angeles Lakers. Middleton recently declined his $40.4 million player option with the Bucks, opting to test free agency. While he could still negotiate a new deal with Milwaukee, this move opens the door for other teams, like the Lakers, to explore a possible deal to bring him aboard.
The Lakers are seeking to improve their roster by adding a versatile wing player like Middleton, who could provide additional scoring, shooting, and defensive capabilities alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Middleton’s experience and his ability to deliver in clutch moments—such as during the Bucks’ 2021 championship run—make him an attractive target for a contending team like Los Angeles. However, the Lakers would need to navigate their salary cap situation carefully to fit Middleton’s expected contract demands, as he is likely to seek a long-term deal worth over $100 million.
Given the Lakers’ recent efforts to restructure their roster, including the possibility of trading key assets like their 17th draft pick and role players like Malik Beasley or Mo Bamba, they are actively positioning themselves to acquire a player of Middleton’s caliber. A potential sign-and-trade deal could be on the table, though the Lakers would face competition from other teams and Milwaukee’s own efforts to retain their star forward.
Middleton’s skill set, particularly his three-point shooting and ability to guard multiple positions, would address some of the Lakers’ current weaknesses. However, the Lakers would need to assess his health after he struggled with knee issues during the 2022-23 season, which limited him to just 33 regular-season games. Despite these challenges, Middleton performed strongly in the playoffs, reminding teams of his value as a reliable scorer and playmaker under pressure.
