The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of the biggest trades in NBA history by landing Luka Doncic, but their work isn’t done yet. While acquiring a generational superstar solidifies their future, the roster is far from a finished product.
The Lakers now have a dynamic backcourt duo in Luka Doncic and LeBron James, but the team still lacks the depth, defensive presence, and frontcourt reinforcements needed to compete for a championship this season.
With Anthony Davis gone, the Lakers are thin in the paint, relying on Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood—neither of whom are reliable full-time starters on a contending team. Additionally, the supporting cast, while talented, is a mix of young prospects and inconsistent veterans, making it clear that the Lakers must make further moves to round out their squad.
If they want to maximize their championship window with LeBron while ensuring a smooth transition into the Luka era, Rob Pelinka has more work to do before the trade deadline. Here are three trades the Lakers must make to bolster their roster after acquiring Luka Doncic.
A Strong Trade And Gamble For Myles Turner
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt
Myles Turner has been linked to the Lakers for years, and with Anthony Davis gone, this is the perfect time to finally make it happen. Turner is averaging 15.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 40.0% from three.
He is one of the rare big men who can protect the rim at an elite level while also spacing the floor, making him an ideal fit next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James. His ability to stretch the floor would allow Luka and LeBron to operate in the paint without worrying about a clogged lane, and defensively, he would give the Lakers a much-needed anchor.
For the Indiana Pacers, Turner is set to become a free agent after his $19,928,500 salary expires after this season. If they are not confident in re-signing him, getting two valuable role players is a smart move. Rui Hachimura provides scoring and size on the wing, while Jarred Vanderbilt gives them an elite perimeter defender to pair with their young core. Instead of losing Turner for nothing, the Pacers get solid pieces to continue building their team.
For the Lakers, this trade is all about securing a defensive and shooting upgrade without giving up draft assets. Turner would instantly become their best big man and could be a long-term fit alongside Luka and LeBron. If the Lakers want to contend immediately, this is the type of move they must make.
Two-In-One For Clint Capela And Bogdan Bogdanovic
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish
The Lakers desperately need size, rebounding, and shooting, and this trade addresses both issues in one move. Clint Capela would immediately slot in as the starting center, providing elite rim protection and rebounding, something the Lakers lost when they moved Anthony Davis.
Capela is averaging 9.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game this season while being one of the league’s most consistent paint defenders. His ability to set hard screens and catch lobs from Luka Doncic and LeBron James would make him a crucial piece for a championship run.
Bogdan Bogdanovic adds another dynamic shooter and secondary playmaker to the Lakers’ rotation. Currently putting up 10.0 points per game on 30.1% three-point shooting in a very down season, Bogdanovic would thrive in a Luka- and LeBron-led offense where his off-ball movement and shot-making could punish defenses and can get back to his best form.
The Lakers have lacked reliable scoring off the bench, and Bogdanovic would fill that role perfectly while also giving them another ball-handler.
For the Hawks, this move allows them to clear Capela’s contract this season ($22,265,280) and get a return for the upcoming free agent to give more minutes to Onyeka Okongwu, their promising big man ready to take a step forward. Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt provide defensive versatility, while Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish give them additional depth.
Atlanta might be looking for a shake-up, and this deal helps both teams address their needs. But for the Lakers, acquiring two proven contributors in Capela and Bogdanovic would be a massive upgrade.
A Clearout For Steven Adams
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Steven Adams
Houston Rockets Receive: Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, Christian Wood
With Anthony Davis gone, the Lakers have struggled with interior toughness, and Steven Adams would immediately bring that back. One of the strongest players in the NBA, Adams is a rebounding machine who thrives in physical play.
Though injuries have limited him in recent seasons, when healthy, Adams is an elite rebounder (5.1 per game in 12.1 minutes per game this season) and a great screen-setter who enhances any team’s pick-and-roll offense. Playing alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, Adams would be a perfect fit, creating second-chance opportunities and providing a defensive anchor.
The Lakers move Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish, two inconsistent role players, along with Christian Wood, who has struggled to find a consistent role but had his best season with the Rockets in 2020-21 (21.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG). None of these players have made a major impact, so flipping them for a proven veteran like Adams is a low-risk, high-reward move. Adams’ experience and leadership would also be invaluable for a team trying to win now.
For the Rockets, this trade is about adding depth without taking on long-term contracts. Vincent gives them a backup point guard behind Fred VanVleet, while Reddish is a defensive wing with potential.
Christian Wood, despite his struggles, can still be a solid scoring big, and a return to Houston could give him a fresh start. This is a smart trade for both sides, but the Lakers getting Adams for three underperforming players makes it a win for them.
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