Rockets Rise After Durant Trade: What’s Next for LeBron and Lakers?

Orlando, USA - As the NBA landscape shifts dramatically with Free Agency buzzing like a Florida summer, fans are eagerly watching the movements of teams across the league. It’s a time of both excitement and uncertainty, especially for teams like the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, who are caught in a whirlwind of trades and contract negotiations.

The Houston Rockets, fresh off a bold trade that sent Jalen Green to the Phoenix Suns for superstar Kevin Durant, are making waves in the league. This trade, which involved not just Green but also Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks, marked a significant pivot for the team. Durant, who turns 37 before the 2025-26 season yet still boasts impressive stats averaging 26.6 points and shooting 53% from the field last season, was one of the veteran talents the Rockets coveted. His experience could significantly enhance their halfcourt offense, a crucial area for improvement according to Basketball World.

Key Moves by the Rockets

The Rockets have not been shy about making moves. They recently re-signed Fred VanVleet, allocating over half of his team option for the upcoming season. Jabari Smith Jr. also landed a monumental five-year, $122 million contract. Adding Dorian Finney-Smith, a versatile defender with a three-point shooting accuracy of 41.1%, significantly boosts their roster depth. The team brought back Clint Capela on a three-year, $21.5 million deal, successfully filling 14 roster spots and ensuring they remain under the First Apron for the new season.

While the Rockets focused on establishing a solid lineup, some analysts suggested alternative trade routes that could have been even more beneficial. For instance, trading Green to the Boston Celtics for Jaylen Brown was touted as a move that might yield long-term benefits, given Brown’s potential and age compared to Durant. Similar proposals floated around include potential trades with the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane and the New Orleans Pelicans for young talents like Trey Murphy and Jordan Hawkins, presenting an intriguing dilemma for Rockets management as they weigh their options moving forward (as discussed by Clutch Points).

Lakers‘ Struggles

Across the West, the Los Angeles Lakers are equally busy but are facing their own set of struggles. The team signed Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million deal to fill the gap left by Finney-Smith’s departure. However, the Lakers still lack a solid center, with rumors swirling around their interest in Deandre Ayton. Meanwhile, the ambiguity surrounding LeBron James‘ future after opting into his $52 million contract adds another layer of intrigue for Lakers fans, as his representative has reportedly been in discussions over the next steps.

Other Teams Making Moves

The Orlando Magic made a strategic move by signing Tyus Jones for one year at $7 million, addressing their backcourt needs and adding a reliable option off the bench. In contrast, teams like the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans made notable acquisitions, with the Hawks bringing in Nickeil Alexander-Walker for four years and the Pelicans continuing to fortify their center positions, showcasing the competitive shifts among NBA franchises.

As the dust settles from these early free agency maneuvers, it will be fascinating to see how these new rosters pan out on the court. Teams are balancing the thrill of fresh faces and the risks that come with such changes. With the Rockets making aggressive strides and the Lakers seemingly treading water, the stakes couldn’t be higher in the race for the championship next season. After all, in the world of basketball, a good hand often leads to great opportunities.