Lakers Make Bold Move: Acquire All-Star Guard in Multi-Team Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers have executed one of the most significant trades of the 2026 season, acquiring All-Star guard Marcus Thompson from the Portland Trail Blazers in a complex three-team deal that could reshape the Western Conference playoff picture.

The trade, completed just hours before the NBA trade deadline, sends veteran forward Kyle Martinez and promising rookie guard James Chen to Portland, while the Miami Heat receive draft compensation and salary cap flexibility. Thompson, averaging 22.4 points and 7.1 assists per game this season, brings both scoring punch and playmaking ability to a Lakers roster hungry for another championship.

"Marcus is exactly the type of player we needed to complement our core," said Lakers General Manager Sarah Mitchell. "His experience in clutch situations and proven track record in the playoffs make him an invaluable addition as we make our push toward the postseason."

Thompson, 28, has been the centerpiece of Portland's offense for the past four seasons but requested a trade earlier this month as the Trail Blazers fell out of playoff contention. The 6-foot-3 guard brings championship experience from his time with the Boston Celtics, where he won a title in 2022.

The move immediately elevates the Lakers from a fringe playoff team to legitimate Western Conference contenders. With Thompson joining forces with superstar forward Anthony Davis and emerging star point guard Tyler Williams, Los Angeles now boasts one of the most formidable offensive trios in the league.

Lakers head coach Mike Johnson expressed enthusiasm about integrating Thompson into the system. "We've been looking for that third scoring option who can create his own shot and make plays for others. Marcus fits perfectly into our championship timeline," Johnson told reporters following the announcement.

The trade deadline shuffle has significant implications for the Western Conference hierarchy, with the Lakers now positioned to challenge the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors for playoff seeding. Thompson is expected to make his Lakers debut Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena.