ESPN NEWS: The Los Angeles Lakers have officially traded for Houston Rockets power forward Alperen Şengün, according to shocking trade reports from the Purple and Gold Office.
In a bold and unexpected move, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially acquired Houston Rockets power forward/center Alperen Şengün, according to reports from the team’s front office and multiple sources close to the organization. The trade, finalized late Monday night, sends ripples through the NBA and signals a clear shift in the Lakers’ strategy as they gear up for a new era post-LeBron James.
This blockbuster move involves several key players and draft picks, and it marks a franchise-defining decision for both teams. For the Lakers, Şengün’s arrival provides a dynamic young cornerstone with untapped potential. For the Rockets, the trade reinforces their commitment to their youth movement and long-term asset accumulation.
- Rui Hachimura
- Jalen Hood-Schifino
- 2029 First-Round Pick (Unprotected)
- 2026 Second-Round Pick
- Cash Considerations
The Lakers part ways with promising young guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and versatile forward Rui Hachimura, both of whom showed flashes of potential in limited roles. However, the clear headliner is the unprotected 2029 first-round pick—an asset that could hold significant value depending on the Lakers’ trajectory in the post-LeBron and post-Anthony Davis era.
Alperen Şengün has been one of the brightest young talents in the NBA since arriving from Turkey as the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. A gifted post scorer and elite passer for his position, Şengün quickly became a fan favorite in Houston and drew comparisons to a young Nikola Jokić.
Last season, Şengün averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game on 54.6% shooting from the field. At just 21 years old, he combines elite basketball IQ with impressive footwork, soft touch around the rim, and vision that unlocks offenses in a way few big men can.
His skill set fills a massive void in the Lakers’ frontcourt—a creative offensive anchor who can operate in both high and low post settings, reduce the offensive burden on aging superstars, and serve as a long-term franchise piece.
With LeBron James nearing the end of his legendary career and Anthony Davis approaching 32 with a checkered injury history, the Lakers needed a contingency plan—something more than aging veterans and trade-depleted depth charts.
Şengün represents a bridge to the future. General Manager Rob Pelinka and Head Coach Darvin Ham have emphasized the need for younger talent with star potential, and Şengün fits that mold perfectly.
Sources say the Lakers envision an offense where Şengün operates as a hub, similar to how the Nuggets deploy Jokić. His passing ability allows the Lakers to run sets through him, while his interior scoring ensures a consistent offensive threat on the low block. Pairing him with shooters and athletic wings could maximize his effectiveness.
LeBron James reportedly gave his approval to the trade before it was finalized. Though LeBron has not publicly commented, sources say he is “enthusiastic” about the deal and believes Şengün’s presence can help extend his championship window, even if only marginally.
For Davis, the addition of Şengün may come with positional adjustments. While Davis has often preferred to play power forward, he has spent considerable time at center due to roster construction. With Şengün in the mix, Davis can shift back to his natural position, potentially reducing wear and tear and allowing him to focus more on defensive anchoring and off-ball scoring.
The pairing of Davis and Şengün also gives the Lakers a high-IQ, defensively capable, and offensively versatile frontcourt—something they’ve lacked in recent seasons.
While Rockets fans are stunned by the trade, the front office seems to be playing the long game. With the emergence of Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, and the acquisition of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks last offseason, there was a growing belief that Houston had a surplus of ball-dominant young talent needing development.
By trading Şengün, the Rockets clear up frontcourt minutes for Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason while adding a pair of intriguing assets in Hachimura and Hood-Schifino. They also secure a potentially valuable unprotected first-rounder from a team whose future past 2027 is highly uncertain.
The move is consistent with General Manager Rafael Stone’s approach—prioritizing flexibility, youth, and draft capital while cultivating a sustainable long-term core.
NBA players, analysts, and fans alike took to social media to express their surprise—and excitement—about the trade.
Jamal Crawford, former NBA guard and ESPN analyst, tweeted:
“Şengün is going to cook in LA. Perfect fit for what they need post-LeBron. Major W for the Lakers.”
JJ Redick called it “the most impactful under-the-radar move of the offseason so far,” highlighting the risk Houston takes by moving on from a budding All-Star.
Meanwhile, Lakers legend Magic Johnson released a statement applauding the trade:
“Alperen Şengün is a phenomenal talent with All-NBA potential. This is exactly the kind of move the Lakers needed to set themselves up for success beyond the LeBron era.”Şengün’s addition reshapes the Lakers’ identity. He offers a half-court offensive engine, something the Lakers have lacked without LeBron on the floor. With D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent in the backcourt, Şengün gives them a big who can relieve ball-handling duties and find cutters or kick out to shooters.
Defensively, there are concerns. While Şengün is a smart defender, he’s not a rim protector in the mold of Davis or Brook Lopez. However, with Davis likely anchoring the defense, the Lakers can afford to take that trade-off given what Şengün brings offensively.
The Lakers could roll out a starting lineup of:
- PG: D’Angelo Russell
- SG: Austin Reaves
- SF: LeBron James
- PF: Anthony Davis
- C: Alperen Şengün
This lineup has scoring, playmaking, size, and experience—while Şengün’s youth and skill elevate the ceiling.
For the Lakers, this trade is more than just a short-term move. It’s a clear pivot toward the future. Even if LeBron retires in the next 1-2 years, Şengün and Davis can form a potent duo moving forward. If Davis stays healthy, and if Şengün continues his current developmental trajectory, the Lakers could be building the foundation for their next contending era.
Meanwhile, retaining draft flexibility and younger contributors like Max Christie ensures they aren’t entirely mortgaging the future—something critics have pointed out in previous deals.
The Lakers are no strangers to taking big swings. From Shaquille O’Neal to Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard to Anthony Davis, the franchise has long thrived on high-profile acquisitions. Alperen Şengün may not carry the marquee value yet, but the potential is undeniable.
If he continues his ascent, this trade could go down as a masterstroke—a transformational moment for a storied franchise in need of new life.
For the Rockets, the deal may sting in the short term, but it reaffirms their rebuild around guards and wings, clearing the way for a more balanced roster and more strategic use of their future assets.
Either way, the 2025 NBA season just got a lot more interesting.
