The Los Angeles Lakers have reshaped their roster around Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, making strong moves to add Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia. But even with those pieces, questions remain about depth and defensive balance.
A new three-team trade proposal could solve that problem, giving the Lakers the versatile supporting cast they’ve lacked in recent years.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Dillon Brooks (via Suns), Haywood Highsmith (via Nets), Nick Richards (via Suns)
Phoenix Suns Receive: Rui Hachimura (via Lakers), Dalton Knecht (via Lakers), 2030 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick swap, 2031 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Maxi Kleber (via Lakers), 2026 Phoenix Suns second-round pick, 2032 Los Angeles Lakers second-round pick
Because of trade restrictions, this deal cannot be executed until mid-October. Dillon Brooks was recently dealt and cannot be moved until September 6, while Haywood Highsmith is ineligible to be traded until October 15.
Once those dates pass, however, there would be no hurdles.
The Lakers Get The Depth They Need
For the Lakers, this trade is all about depth. Brooks brings defensive edge and playoff toughness, giving Los Angeles another wing stopper to throw at elite scorers.
His reputation as a pest overshadows the fact that he quietly had one of the most efficient shooting seasons of his career, knocking down nearly 40 percent of his threes last year with the Rockets.
On a team already with Smart, adding Brooks would make the Lakers one of the most intimidating defensive teams in the league.
Highsmith and Richards address another concern: reliable frontcourt depth. Highsmith has proven capable of filling minutes at the four or even small-ball five, while Richards gives Los Angeles another true center behind Ayton and Jaxson Hayes.
Both players are on expiring contracts, which also aligns with the Lakers’ long-term cap strategy. Only Brooks would remain on the books beyond 2026, and even he could be moved if necessary.
Brooks averaged 14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists last season, shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from deep. He will make $21.1 million next season, his third year of a four-year, $86 million contract.
Highsmith contributed 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while hitting 38.2 percent from three. Richards averaged 9.3 points and 8.2 rebounds as a dependable big man who can run the floor.
Together, they would give Los Angeles the kind of depth that has been missing since their 2020 championship run.
The Suns Clear Cap Space And Get Valuable Assets
Meanwhile, the Suns streamline the payroll, shipping high-priced veterans and receiving two future firsts, a protective second, and the expiring Hachimura.
After the Kevin Durant–Devin Booker–Bradley Beal trio fell short, the front office already swiveled back toward building a balanced roster.
Rui Hachimura offers them a chance at a reset. His game has always hinted at untapped potential, and in Phoenix, he would get the freedom to expand his scoring without being overshadowed by stars like LeBron and Luka.
Hachimura averaged 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds last season while shooting over 50 percent from the field and 41 percent from three. He is in the final year of a three-year, $51 million contract, making him a low-risk acquisition. If the fit doesn’t work, Phoenix can let him walk next summer.
They also take a swing at Dalton Knecht, who, despite a quiet summer league, remains a highly touted young shooter. Knecht averaged 9.1 points as a rookie while shooting 37.6 percent from three.
Along with two future first-round assets, Phoenix adds talent without locking into long-term salary commitments.
The Nets Get Draft Assets To Facilitate Deal
For the Nets, the role is simple: take on salary and stockpile picks. The Nets absorb Maxi Kleber, who is on an expiring $11 million contract. Kleber played just 34 games last season due to injury, averaging 3.0 points and 2.8 rebounds.
His presence is less important than the draft compensation attached. Brooklyn walks away with two second-round picks in 2026 and 2032, providing more flexibility for future deals.
If the Nets hold out for more, the Lakers could consider adding a heavily protected first-round pick to close the deal. Given Brooklyn’s cap space, they are one of the few franchises positioned to act as a third-party facilitator.
The Lakers Seriously Need To Consider This Deal
This deal checks boxes for all three teams. The Lakers get depth and defensive versatility, strengthening a roster already packed with stars.
The Suns can clear salary while adding Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and draft capital for the next phase of their rebuild. The Nets collect picks in exchange for taking on an expiring contract.
For Los Angeles, in particular, this could be the move that finally balances their roster. Depth has been the missing piece in recent years, and with Brooks, Highsmith, and Richards, the Lakers would have the kind of complete supporting cast that can elevate Luka and LeBron into true title contention.
