BREAKING: Donovan Mitchell Traded to Lakers in Blockbuster Deal Worth Over $160 Million
In a stunning move that shakes the landscape of the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blockbuster trade that signals their full commitment to winning another championship during the twilight of LeBron James’ career.
The deal, finalized early Monday morning, sends Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, a 2025 first-round pick, a 2027 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2029 pick swap to Cleveland in exchange for Mitchell, who is coming off one of the best seasons of his career.
Mitchell, 28, averaged 26.8 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds last season while leading the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference semifinals. He joins a star-studded Lakers lineup that already features LeBron James and Anthony Davis, forming a new “Big Three” in Los Angeles.
> “We’re all-in,” Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said during a press conference at Crypto.com Arena. “This is a move not just for now, but for the future. Donovan brings elite scoring, energy, and leadership. He’s the perfect complement to our core.”
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🔁 Trade Details:
To Lakers:
Donovan Mitchell
To Cavaliers:
Austin Reaves
Rui Hachimura
2025 First-Round Pick
2027 Unprotected First-Round Pick
2029 Pick Swap
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💰 Contract & Financials
To secure the deal and satisfy salary-matching rules under the new CBA, the Lakers absorbed Mitchell’s $52.3 million salary for the 2025–26 season, the first year of a 3-year, $160 million extension he signed with Cleveland last summer. The Lakers will pay Mitchell an average of $53.3 million annually through 2028, making him one of the highest-paid guards in the league.
Insiders say the Lakers carefully maneuvered their cap sheet by including Reaves and Hachimura’s contracts—worth a combined $27 million annually—and structuring the deal to stay just under the second luxury tax apron.
> “We knew the financial commitment would be massive,” said a Lakers executive familiar with the deal. “But for a talent like Donovan Mitchell? It was worth every penny.”
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🌟 A Star Arrives in Hollywood
Donovan Mitchell’s arrival is already sending shockwaves through the NBA. Known for his explosive scoring and playoff heroics, Mitchell brings championship aspirations to a Lakers team that fell short in last year’s playoffs, exiting in the first round.
Mitchell is expected to make his Lakers debut during the 2025 Summer League as a symbolic introduction before officially suiting up in purple and gold for training camp in September.
> “I grew up watching Kobe. Now I get to play in the same building, wearing the same colors,” Mitchell said in a brief interview. “It’s a dream come true, but the goal is a banner. I’m here to win.”
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🧠 What It Means for Cleveland
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, reset their roster around Garland and Mobley, gaining two young assets in Reaves and Hachimura, along with significant draft capital. Sources say the Cavaliers could look to flip one of the acquired players for additional depth or cap space.
Cleveland GM Koby Altman addressed the trade in a team statement:
> “This was a difficult decision, but we believe it positions us well for long-term success. Donovan gave everything to this franchise, and we’re thankful for his time here.”
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🏀 Looking Ahead
With LeBron entering his 23rd season and Davis still in his prime, the Lakers are now among the favorites to come out of the Western Conference. Oddsmakers already shifted Los Angeles’ championship odds from +1600 to +650, trailing only the defending champion Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski described the move as “a masterstroke of timing and vision” for the Lakers.
Los Angeles will open its 2025–26 season at home against the Golden State Warriors, where Mitchell is expected to make his highly anticipated Lakers debut.
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Fans are already lining up outside team stores for Mitchell jerseys. Hollywood has a new $160 million star, and the Lakers are officially back in the hunt for banner No.
