3 Master Plans For The Los Angeles Lakers This Offseason

It is finally over, the Los Angeles Lakers are out of the NBA Playoffs in the Western Conference Finals at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. In a disappointing way to end a season filled with many ups and downs, the Lakers are forced to rethink their future because they were blown off the floor by Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and the deep Nuggets roster despite the effort shown by LeBron James and company. The Lakers were off to a putrid start to the year with Russell Westbrook still on the team, but Rob Pelinka saved their season by trading Russ and acquiring massively important pieces, including D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, and Malik Beasley.

Even with the roster reinforcements, the Lakers were not ready to make the NBA Finals and it was obvious the Denver Nuggets was the better team. LeBron James did his best all year long, breaking the all-time scoring record in the regular season and averaging 23.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, and 6.3 APG in the playoffs. However, James seemingly ran out of steam because he was not great in the clutch and could not make up for the team’s deficiencies as he used to do. Similarly, Anthony Davis was outplayed by Nikola Jokic even if he had solid averages of 26.8 PPG and 14.0 RPG in the Western Conference Finals.

As a result, the Lakers have a lot to think about. Specifically, LeBron James has a ton to think about. LeBron James made some very interesting comments during his postgame interview, possibly hinting at what his future holds in terms of his basketball career. Retirement could be an option for The King, and frustration could be a big part of the spreading rumors this could be the end for the all-time scoring leader. As it turns out, it seems retirement has always been an option for the iconic player who has certainly blessed us with 20 years of elite basketball. 

However, assuming James comes back for the final year of his contract and has a chance for one more run, the Lakers can actually re-tool quickly and go all-in for next season. Other than LeBron and Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers should make every player available in potential trades to get back on top in the West. As long as the team avoids these certain players, the summer is looking very exciting for the team. In fact, the Lakers need to act swiftly because the team’s championship window is closing, with James nearing 39 years of age and Davis dealing with consistent attrition.

The priority for the Lakers is to add a third All-Star by any means while also trying to retain clutch performer Austin Reaves. With the future of the Lakers in doubt, the team has three major plans this offseason to entertain with the hopes of winning a championship next season. While the third plan is the least impactful, it will yield the easiest path for the team. No doubt, the first plan makes the most sense, while the second one acts as a superior backup. 

As long as LeBron does not retire and decides to play out his contract with the Lakers, one of these strategies could legitimately be in the cards. Without further ado, here are the three plans the Los Angeles Lakers can entertain this offseason.

Third Plan

Bringing In Two New Starters For Depth Purposes

The Third Plan involves the Los Angeles Lakers swapping some starters and depth pieces for two starting-caliber players that fit in well with the team. By trading for sharpshooter Buddy Hield and defensive center Myles Turner, the Lakers can improve their shooting while going big.

Buddy Hield And Myles Turner To The Lakers

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Buddy Hield, Myles Turner

Indiana Pacers Receive: Rui Hachimura (Sign Qualifying Offer), Lonnie Walker IV (Sign-And-Trade), Max Christie, Mo Bamba

The Los Angeles Lakers, despite making the Western Conference Finals, have several areas of concern going into the 2023-24 season. One of their primary needs is consistent perimeter shooting, which every NBA team needs these days. Additionally, they could use another big man to complement Anthony Davis in the post and provide some rim protection. Buddy Hield and Myles Turner address both of these needs perfectly, making them ideal trade targets for the Lakers.

Firstly, Buddy Hield is an excellent outside shooter who the Lakers desperately need. He has shot 40% or better from downtown in four seasons of his career while averaging 40.2% over six seasons. His ability to spot up and shoot from beyond the arc makes him a perfect fit alongside LeBron James, who excels at driving and kicking the ball out to open shooters. In addition, his contract is reasonable, which gives the Lakers some flexibility going forward. Myles Turner, on the other hand, is a shot-blocking and rim-protecting machine, something that the Lakers also need. He has led the league in blocked shots twice and has a career average of 2.3 BPG. Furthermore, he is a solid pick-and-roll player, which would allow him to mesh well with LeBron James and facilitate the Lakers’ offense effectively.

Turner’s defensive presence would undoubtedly help make the Lakers’ combination of defense and offense more lethal, even when the big man shoots a career 35.3% from deep. By bringing in a talented shooter who can play perimeter defense and a two-way starting center, the Lakers can form a solid starting lineup with some important bench players that are retained.

Starting Lineup: D’Angelo Russell, Buddy Hield, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Myles Turner

Key Bench Players: Austin Reaves (Long-Term Deal), Jarred Vanderbilt, Dennis Schroder

No doubt, the Third Plan is feasible and could be done this offseason in case the next two plans do not work out. By adding two above-average starters and re-signing Austin Reaves, the Lakers can have an eight-man rotation that is as good as any team in the NBA.

Second Plan

The Real Superteam

An even better plan for the Los Angeles Lakers would be adding in two All-Star players to form a Big Four to compete alongside other elite teams around the NBA. The first step is to go after 2-time All-Star Zach LaVine to carry the offense alongside Anthony Davis.

Lakers Land Zach LaVine For Two Players

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine

Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell (Sign-And-Trade), Malik Beasley (Team Option)

The Chicago Bulls will likely be sellers after failing to make the playoffs, and the duo of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine is not working. As a result, the Los Angeles Lakers should consider trading for Zach LaVine because he could be the missing piece in their championship aspirations. LaVine, one of the top shooting guards in the NBA today, has been a consistent scorer for the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 24.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, and 0.9 SPG on 48.5% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc last season, proving his ability to score in multiple ways. LaVine’s scoring prowess would be invaluable for the Lakers, who are currently over-relying on LeBron James and Anthony Davis for their points production.

Additionally, his perimeter shooting ability would also help space the floor, making it easier for James and Davis to operate in the paint and also allowing James to take a backseat for the first time in his career. At age 39, James should be the third scoring option and should be treated as nothing more than a luxury player than someone to rely on time and time again. To acquire LaVine, the Lakers would likely need to give up significant assets including recently acquired D’Angelo Russell and sharpshooter Malik Beasley. LaVine’s scoring ability and potential fit in the Lakers’ system make him a valuable trade target. If the Lakers can find a way to make the trade work while also retaining some depth, adding LaVine to their lineup would significantly improve their chances of repeating as NBA champions. As great as this move would be for the Lakers, the Second Plan is not complete without the Lakers putting a package together for 4-time NBA champion Draymond Green.

Draymond Green Joins LeBron James And Anthony Davis

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Draymond Green

Golden State Warriors Receive: Rui Hachimura (Sign Qualifying Offer), Lonnie Walker IV (Sign-And-Trade), 2029 First-Round Pick

In this case, Draymond Green rejects a player option, signs a 3-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, and engages in a sign-and-trade deal with the Lakers for Rui Hachimura and Lonnie Walker IV.

The Los Angeles Lakers should mainly consider trading for Draymond Green because of his versatility and defensive prowess. Green has been one of the best defenders in the NBA for several years, winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017. His addition to the Lakers’ lineup would give them a player capable of guarding players at multiple positions and could strengthen their defense. Green’s ability to serve as a playmaker on the offensive end could also be a valuable asset to the Lakers. He is an excellent passer and has averaged over 6.9 APG for eight straight seasons. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis often handling the scoring load, Green’s ability to distribute the ball could take some pressure off of them and make the Lakers’ offense even more potent.

While there are concerns about Green’s recent decline in production, he is still a useful player whose skill set matches well with the Lakers’ needs. He could be particularly beneficial in potential matchups against the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Phoenix Suns in the West, as he is one of the few players capable of defending opposing superstars. Overall, trading for Draymond Green could significantly enhance the Lakers’ chances of capturing the championship due to his experience and chemistry with current star LeBron James.

Furthermore, to make this deal work in terms of depth, the Los Angeles Lakers will need to sign Autin Reaves on a mid-level contract because they will not have money to offer him a longer deal worth double the amount of money he is looking for. Hopefully, Reaves would be willing to bet on his future with the Lakers because he could be promised a longer-term deal once LeBron James retires. With the Second Plan complete, the Lakers’ roster looks very impressive.

Starting Lineup: Dennis Schroder, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Draymond Green, Anthony Davis

Key Bench Players: Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Mo Bamba

The Second Plan is not as far-fetched as it seems because both Zach LaVine and Draymond Green could be outcasts in rebuilding (or re-tooling) franchises, and the starting lineup features four All-Star players with extensive experience in the NBA combined. Hopefully, the Lakers can retain Austin Reaves and also develop Mo Bamba to form a dynamic defensive duo with Jarred Vanderbilt off the bench.

First Plan

A Massive Re-Tool That Brings Kyrie Irving On Board

In a blockbuster deal, the Los Angeles Lakers could bring in Kyrie Irving while also retaining talented youngster Austin Reaves. In fact, this is a very possible deal that could work out for the Lakers in the short term and long term. The prospect of Kyrie reuniting with LeBron James is too good to ignore, and both players should be interested in getting the band back together. The trade that brings Kyrie on board sends both D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley to Dallas in a blockbuster deal.

Lakers Finally Land Kyrie Irving

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyrie Irving

Dallas Mavericks Receive: D’Angelo Russell (Sign-And-Trade), Malik Beasley (Team Option)

Kyrie Irving is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the league, and the Los Angeles Lakers absolutely need to trade for him. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way for the Lakers, their offensive production seems to be already at an all-time high, but Kyrie would take them over the top. Additionally, the past of LeBron and Kyrie winning the chip in the 2015-16 season means there is chemistry and a sense of familiarity with each other, making it clear whether Irving’s addition would be a good fit.

Kyrie Irving fits well alongside LeBron James because of his exceptional ball-handling skills, scoring ability, and clutch performances. As seen during their time together with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving can operate as a second primary scorer and ball handler, allowing James to conserve his energy and focus on his playmaking duties. Moreover, Irving’s ability to create his own shot, both off the dribble and from beyond the arc, makes him an excellent complement to James’ playmaking skills. Off the court, both Irving and James share a close relationship built on mutual respect and appreciation.

However, it is important to note that chemistry and ego management could also become a concern. Kyrie is a player who demands the ball and expects to be the primary option on his team, so there could be some red flags. However, since James will be 39 years old and willing to take a backseat, he and the Lakers can navigate these potential concerns, which means adding Irving to their lineup would be a game-changer for the team’s championship aspirations.

The second part of the First Plan involves the Lakers going after Seth Curry, who is shooting a career 43.5% from deep and will always be a threat to knock down shots when LeBron James controls the offense. Seth has played on a host of title contenders, including the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets in recent years, so he knows how to make an impact despite not being a major cog in the offense. Just having Curry open is enough to make the Lakers a far better team on offense.

The next step is to retain Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, two players who provide exceptional depth for the Lakers. Reaves averaged 16.9 PPG in his first playoff appearance this season and is only 24 years old, which means there could be a lot more to come. Similarly, Rui Hachimura is only 25 years old and posted 12.3 PPG and 3.4 RPG in only his second playoff appearance. Reaves would be inserted into the starting lineup, with Rui acting as one of the best bench players in the NBA.

Starting Lineup: Kyrie Irving, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis

Key Bench Players: Dennis Schroder, Seth Curry, Rui Hachimura

Clearly, Kyrie forms a Big Three in Los Angeles while the Lakers continue with Reaves and Vanderbilt in the starting lineup while Seth Curry adds some sharpshooting off the bench alongside speedy point guard Dennis Schroder and two-way forward Rui Hachimura. No doubt, the First Plan will be a priority for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Last Chance For LeBron James And The Lakers

LeBron James might realistically retire based on the rumors and comments he made at his exit interview. However, The King has made it clear in the past that he wants to hold out until his son, Bronny James Jr, hits the court with a chance to play with him. Assuming James has two more years in the league, that means the Lakers have one more shot to win it all next season. Los Angeles’ title window is closing because James will be 39 next year and Anthony Davis is not getting any younger or healthier. Without James at his peak, the Lakers realize the future is in doubt if they do not go all-in for one more move.

The best strategy would be the First Plan because Kyrie Irving joining LeBron and Davis means the Lakers have one of the best Big Threes that fit perfectly together. Seth Curry also joins the team while the team does its best to retain Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, the two most impressive role players this season. With an eight-man rotation that would be ready for a deep playoff run, the Lakers would have no excuses and all the ammunition in the world for one last path toward the NBA championship.

The next-best strategy would be going after talented scorer Zach LaVine and LeBron James’ friend Draymond Green to form a slightly older but still talented Big Four. This strategy is easily the best backup plan for the Lakers because the team needs a new primary scoring option alongside Anthony Davis as LeBron accepts a third-option role while leading the team in assists per game. LaVine is also only 28 years old, which means he could spearhead the next generation of the Lakers alongside Davis and Reaves. Los Angeles must realize there is one more year for LeBron and company, so going after All-Stars is the key.

In the case that the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, and Golden State Warriors are all uninterested in engaging in trades with the Lakers, the last resort would be going after the trade package that presented itself most. The Indiana Pacers have both Buddy Hield and Myles Turner, who would slot in alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the starting lineup, with Austin Reaves potentially re-signed to a deal that he could be somewhat happy with.

Overall, the Los Angeles Lakers need to go all-in for at least one All-Star player to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, although a backup plan could present itself. There is one more season for this current core to truly compete for an NBA title and that means the summer of 2023 and the 2024 preseason could end up becoming one of the most critical moments in the history of the iconic Los Angeles Lakers franchise. 

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