The 2025 offseason has largely been a positive one for the Los Angeles Lakers. With some solid roster upgrades, the Lakers appear to be a more competitive team heading into the new campaign.
Given Luka Doncic’s goal to win it all this season, the Lakers seem to have made appropriate moves. But concerns regarding this team’s ability to contend for the title have been prevalent as of late.
Los Angeles has been mentioned in several rumors, primarily in an attempt to improve their frontcourt depth. With Rui Hachimura being mentioned in virtually every deal, we explore another trade proposal that could potentially help the Lakers solidify their team. Here are the details of the trade package:
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Obi Toppin, 2026 second-round pick (TOR), 2028 second-round pick (DAL)
New York Knicks Receive: Rui Hachimura
Indiana Pacers Receive: Mitchell Robinson, Precious Achiuwa (sign-and-trade)
Toppin Could Fit The Lakers’ System
Acquiring Obi Toppin could prove to be quite beneficial for the Los Angeles Lakers in the long run.
The forward’s arrival immediately frees up some cap space for the Purple and Gold. With a $14 million cap hit next season ($4.2 million less than Hachimura), Toppin’s acquisition would allow the Lakers to make key midseason signings or trades that could potentially transform the team into a title contender.
Apart from his contract benefits, Toppin’s addition is also significant from the system’s perspective. In an offense run by Luka Doncic and LeBron James, having a versatile offensive threat is essential. In this regard, the forward ticks all the right boxes.
Toppin has cultivated a reputation for being one of the most athletic players in the league. The potential for him to feed off lobs in the dunker’s spot makes for a viable option on offense.
Additionally, he has also developed his abilities as a three-point shooter. From being able to dominate near the basket to spacing the floor, Toppin could help the Purple and Gold add a lot of variety to their offensive schemes, while also improving their bench strength.
Last season, he played a key role off the bench for the Indiana Pacers. In 79 games, he averaged 10.5 points and 4.0 rebounds, with 52.9% shooting overall and 36.5% from three-point range.
Although his shooting splits may not match Hachimura’s, Toppin’s contract flexibility and his improvement as a defender could make him a solid acquisition.
Hachimura Could Be Vital For The Knicks
The New York Knicks are poised to be one of the most competitive teams in the league next season. Viewed as frontrunners to win the title, especially after the massive investment they’ve made in their core, the Knicks could certainly use a player like Hachimura.
The Lakers forward has grown into his role as a two-way player. While he was always a reliable offensive threat, with his perimeter shooting efficiency and midrange game, his development as a defender, particularly against bigger players, has been impressive.
Last season, Hachimura proved himself to be immensely productive in the role of a starter. He averaged 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.8 steals, while shooting 50.9% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range.
Given New York’s current lineup, it is more likely for him to come off the bench. But due to his flexibility as a player, the Knicks could use him in a significant role, acting as two-way support next to Karl-Anthony Towns.
As the Knicks prepare to make the most of their opportunities next season, they will need depth on their roster. Acquiring Hachimura would give them a reliable rotation player in the frontcourt who can contribute when called upon to do so. When factoring in his durability, in comparison to Mitchell Robinson‘s, acquiring the 27-year-old could be viewed favorably.
The Pacers Rebuild Their Frontcourt
The upcoming season is likely to be a gap year for the Indiana Pacers. While the changes to their rotation to compensate for Tyrese Haliburton‘s absence could help them remain competitive, it is evident that they need to reinforce their roster, particularly their frontcourt.
Since the departure of Myles Turner, the Pacers have struggled to sign a solid big man. Currently, Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, and James Wiseman fill out the center rotation.
Although each of those players has potential, none of them has proven themselves as starters. The addition of Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa could be viewed quite positively in this regard.
Robinson has shown a lot of upside as a lob threat and a rim protector. Last season, he averaged 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting 66.1% from the field.
Although his limited availability could be a concern, the Pacers could benefit from taking a risk by acquiring him, especially since he is also in the final year of his contract.
Along with Robinson, the Pacers could also add a versatile forward in Precious Achiuwa. Although undersized, Achiuwa has shown a lot of upside as a big man.
Last season, Achiuwa averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds to go with 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. Given the interest he has garnered from teams like the Miami Heat this summer, he could prove to be a valuable addition to the Pacers’ bench.
The Lakers Remain Interested In Andrew Wiggins
While recent trade rumors have seen the Lakers linked with several potential targets, reports indicate that the Purple and Gold remain interested in trading for Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins.
Wiggins has been viewed by many as the final piece of the puzzle for the Lakers. His skill set and experience also make him an ideal fit for the team.
Although the Lakers have renewed their efforts to acquire the former champion, no deal has materialized yet. With this in mind, parting ways with key trade assets like Hachimura early on could be detrimental if conversations for Wiggins move forward.
