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Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka addresses the media as the organization prepares for a front office overhaul under new ownership.

When the 2026 free agency doors open up, you can expect the Los Angeles Lakers to see a lot of action on the rumor market.

Beyond the questions surrounding LeBron James and Austin Reaves, there have been enough notable role players linked to the LA-based franchise to keep an eye on as the roster turns over to find the best supporting cast for Luka Doncic.

Throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Lakers were linked to the former Brooklyn Nets guard, Cam Thomas. As Thomas failed to reach an extension with the Nets, he was a trade option for LA. However, the Lakers went for Luke Kennard out of Atlanta.

There could be a renewed interest in Thomas come July, but a recent discussion between Brooklyn Nets star Michael Porter Jr. and The Road Trippin Show suggested that Thomas might be a difficult sell to the Lakers.

Cam Thomas From Michael Porter Jr.’s Perspective.

GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 23: Cam Thomas #24 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the third quarter of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on October 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

“There’s a lot more to sticking around in the NBA than just [scoring],” Porter said. “For Cam, I think it was a mixture of him being frustrated with a lot of things and also his personality.”

Thomas has a quiet personality, and Porter makes it clear that it’s not in a bad teammate way, but it’s known that Thomas’ frustration with his role on the Nets became an issue over time.

“When it comes to a team being willing to pay you and make you a number one option, it comes with so much more [responsibility]. I don’t know if he was willing to break out of his personality and be talkative and try to be a leader and try to bring guys together,” Porter added. “I think that’s kind of what happened here in Brooklyn.”

Brooklyn and LA are on two different paths currently. It was clear that the 2025-2026 Nets weren’t a playoff contender, and they might be in the same position next season as well, as the rebuild continues.

As for the Lakers, they have their core group. The offense runs through Doncic, and as long as LeBron James is on the roster, those two guys are at the head of the snake.

Cam Thomas Struggled In 2025-2026

The former Nets guard had a hard time driving his value up during his contract season.

In 24 games with the Nets, Thomas shot 39.9% from the field and 32.5% from three to score 15.6 points per game.

After failing to find a trade for Thomas, the Nets cut ties with the veteran guard, allowing him to hit the free agency market. The Lakers were viewed as a possible candidate to sign him, but Thomas ended up with the Milwaukee Bucks.

That stint would last just 18 games. Thomas shot 43.1% from the field and 27.5% from three, averaging 10.7 points per game off the bench. The Bucks shockingly cut Thomas before the season concluded, adding some more drama to the fifth season of his NBA career.

Thomas is likely to have some teams interested in helping him get back on track, but the Lakers’ contender status makes the idea of the pairing a hard sell.