Apr 20, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) looks to shoot in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images David Richard-Imagn Images

Lakers-Heat Proposed Blockbuster Trade Sends Bam Adebayo To L.A. For $53 Million Star

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI
By Anthony Pasciolla | Last updated May 4, 2025 4:50 PM ET

Are the stars aligning for the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers to make a blockbuster trade?

The Lakers are in desperate need of a center, especially after Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert spotlighted the issue while the Heat have a strong defensive center coming off a rather disappointing season.

Heat center Bam Adebayo was his usual self on defense last season, but he recorded his least points per game since 2020. Considering guard Tyler Herro had a breakout campaign, Adebayo feels like the more expendable of their two All-Stars.

A social media post that gathered more than one million views proposed the following trade between the Heat and Lakers:

Heat receive: Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht

Lakers receive: Adebayo

The comments were completely torn on the hypothetical deal. Some argued Reaves meshes better with the Lakers than Adebayo would, others claimed Heat president Pat Riley would never accept a package this weak, and a few even argued Los Angeles is giving up too much.

It's obvious the Lakers want to compete for championships in the coming years, which Adebayo could assist in. However, this proposed trade makes little sense for the Heat.

Whether Miami's front office decides to pursue a true No. 1 option, begin a full rebuild, or retool this summer, cutting ties with Adebayo for this return doesn't make much sense.