The Los Angeles Lakers have had a strong start to the season thanks to some strong play from perennial MVP candidate Anthony Davis (31.3 PPG, 11.2 RPG), LeBron James (24.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 9.3 APG), and even rookie Dalton Knecht (11.7 PPG) who tied the record for most threes made by a rookie with nine against the Utah Jazz. With a 10-5 record, the Lakers are looking strong but might need reinforcements to truly reach an elite level in a stacked Western Conference.
A player they could target is Michael Porter Jr, one of the best pure shooters in the league. Porter Jr is posting 18.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game on 39.4% from three this season but his shooting percentage is 40.9% for his career and he could hit that mark again playing alongside James and Davis. The Denver Nuggets are 8-6 and might need to consider their salary cap situation along with their depth chart because they have lost too many pieces over the years.
A trade with the Lakers would give them a deeper bench and a new starting shooting guard, and we provide what a package could look like for both teams.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Denver Nuggets Receive: Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick
Los Angeles Lakers Finally Surround LeBron And Davis With Elite Shooting
The Lakers have shown promise this season, but their roster still lacks an elite shooter to space the floor consistently for Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Michael Porter Jr. would address this need perfectly. His career 40.9% three-point shooting makes him one of the league’s top marksmen, and his ability to stretch defenses would open up driving lanes for LeBron and opportunities for Davis to dominate inside. Porter Jr. also adds versatility with his 6’10” frame, making him a tough matchup on both ends of the floor.
Adding Porter Jr. would bolster the Lakers’ title hopes, as his shooting complements their star duo’s strengths and he would be a “Splash Brother” alongside Dalton Knecht as well. Playing alongside elite playmakers in James and Davis would likely improve Porter Jr.’s efficiency, pushing him closer to his career shooting norms.
While Porter Jr.’s defensive limitations might pose challenges, the Lakers’ existing defensive structure could mitigate his weaknesses, especially with Davis anchoring the paint. Essentially, the Lakers having two shooters who can nail over 38% consistently would be a perfect case for their starting lineup.
The downside of this trade for the Lakers is losing Austin Reaves, who has emerged as a reliable role player and secondary ball-handler. However, the upgrade in shooting and offensive firepower Porter Jr. provides outweighs the loss of Reaves, Vanderbilt, and Vincent, none of whom offer the same game-changing skillset. This trade could cement the Lakers as a top contender in the West.
Denver Nuggets Add Three Pieces To Their Depth Chart
For the Nuggets, moving Michael Porter Jr. would be a difficult decision, but it could be a necessary one given the team’s salary cap constraints and the need for depth. In exchange for Porter Jr., Denver receives Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent — three valuable role players who address the team’s bench depth and positional flexibility.
Reaves would step in as an immediate contributor, providing efficient scoring (17.3 PPG and 5.3 APG this season) and secondary playmaking, a role he excelled in for the Lakers. Vanderbilt brings elite defensive versatility, capable of guarding multiple positions, which would be a boon for the Nuggets’ rotation. Vincent, despite a slow start to the season, adds a playoff-tested guard who can provide scoring and stability off the bench.
While losing Porter Jr. impacts Denver’s offensive ceiling, this trade helps them balance their roster. The additional 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers also provides long-term value, either as a developmental asset or a trade chip for future deals. The Nuggets would miss Porter Jr.’s elite shooting but might ultimately benefit from the improved roster depth since they lost Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Jeff Green over the last two offseasons.
A Huge Mock Trade That Makes Lakers Major Winners This Season
This blockbuster deal would have a significant impact on both teams, but it tilts heavily in favor of the Lakers in terms of short-term benefits. Adding Porter Jr. elevates their ceiling and gives them a dynamic weapon to space the floor in the postseason, where spacing becomes paramount. For the Nuggets, the trade could stabilize their depth but might feel like a step backward, as they lose a key piece of their starting lineup.
Beyond just on-court fit, the trade also signals the Lakers’ commitment to making the most of LeBron James’ remaining years. Surrounding James with an elite shooter like Porter Jr. could help alleviate the wear and tear on his body by creating more offensive opportunities without relying on him to dominate possession. It’s a calculated risk for the Lakers but one that aligns perfectly with their win-now philosophy.
The success of this deal for Denver hinges on Reaves continuing his upward trajectory and Vanderbilt’s defensive impact outweighing Porter Jr.’s offensive contributions. While the added depth improves Denver’s bench, it could come at the cost of their ability to win high-scoring shootouts, where Porter Jr. often shines.
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