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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.”