The 2024-25 season is approaching, and the Lakers are looking to make a serious push after their first-round exit last year. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still the centerpieces, but their supporting cast isn’t enough to compete with teams like the Nuggets and Suns. With their current roster, there’s growing pressure on the Lakers to make a bold trade and upgrade their depth, especially with shooting and playmaking being top priorities.
Mock Trade
Lakers receive: Kyle Kuzma, Malcolm Brogdon
Nets receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Marvin Bagley III
Wizards receive: Ben Simmons, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick (Lakers), 2030 First-Round Pick (Nets)
In this mock trade, the Lakers strengthen their roster by bringing back Kyle Kuzma and adding Malcolm Brogdon, boosting their depth and versatility. The Nets get D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Marvin Bailey III, giving them a mix of young talent and veterans. Meanwhile, the Wizards take on Ben Simmons and Jarred Vanderbilt while acquiring future draft capital with first-round picks in 2029 (from the Lakers) and 2030 (from the Nets), setting them up for a potential rebuild.
Great Fitting Pieces For The Lakers
Kyle Kuzma and Malcolm Brogdon could be perfect fits for the Lakers, solving some of the team’s key issues ahead of the 2024-25 season. Kuzma’s return to the team where he first made a name for himself would be a smooth transition. He’s coming off a strong year with the Wizards, putting up 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in a tough season for Washington. He’s shown he can be a solid scorer and defender, and that versatility would give the Lakers a lot of flexibility in their rotation. Kuzma’s ability to stretch the floor, rebound, and defend multiple positions would fit perfectly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
On the other hand, Malcolm Brogdon brings a different type of value. Brogdon, who was traded to the Wizards from the Blazers after a brief stint there, is a reliable guard who can run the offense and provide scoring when needed. While he struggled with injuries in the past, his 14.9 points and 4.2 assists per game from the 2023-24 season show that, when healthy, he’s a difference-maker. For the Lakers, adding a smart, experienced player like Brogdon could help take some playmaking pressure off LeBron, allowing him to focus more on scoring and defense. Brogdon’s ability to hit clutch shots would also be a huge bonus.
For the Lakers, these two players address two of their biggest needs—depth at forward and a reliable guard. Kuzma gives them the kind of scoring punch and defensive effort they need in the frontcourt, while Brogdon helps solidify the backcourt. Last season, the Lakers saw their playoff run cut short partly due to a lack of consistent depth behind their stars, and these additions could be the boost they need to contend for a title once again.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are in full rebuild mode. After a disastrous 67-loss season, Washington is clearly in the process of restructuring. With young players like Jordan Poole and draft picks like Alex Sarr, the Wizards are looking toward the future. Moving on from Kuzma and Brogdon, two veterans on a team that’s nowhere near contending, makes sense for Washington as they stockpile assets and try to develop their young talent. Kuzma and Brogdon may have put up solid numbers, but they don’t fit into the long-term picture for the Wizards, making them prime candidates to be moved.
Adding Kuzma and Brogdon would be a game-changer for the Lakers, giving them the depth and experience they need to compete in the brutal Western Conference. LeBron and AD can’t carry the load by themselves anymore, so having versatile, proven players like Kuzma and Brogdon would help take some pressure off. Both players have the kind of playoff experience and leadership that would be invaluable to a Lakers squad aiming to make another deep postseason run.
At the end of the day, this trade would be a win-win. The Lakers get the pieces they need to stay competitive, and the Wizards continue their rebuilding process with more draft picks and young players. It’s the kind of deal that could reshape the Lakers’ outlook for the season and give them the firepower to take on the top teams in the West.
The Nets Keep Adding Assets To Their Rebuild
In this trade scenario, the Brooklyn Nets make a significant move by offloading Ben Simmons’ hefty $40.3 million expiring contract, which has been more of a burden than a benefit for the team. Simmons, once a three-time All-Star, has struggled with injuries and played just 57 games over the last three seasons. While there’s hope for his return to form, the Nets are prioritizing their rebuild and moving on from Simmons opens up valuable cap space for future flexibility.
In return, the Nets receive D’Angelo Russell, a familiar face for the franchise. Russell averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds last season with the Lakers, proving he’s still an effective scorer and playmaker. His return to Brooklyn brings much-needed leadership in the backcourt, as he can create shots for himself and his teammates, helping to stabilize the offense.
Additionally, the Nets acquire Rui Hachimura, a versatile forward who contributed 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in 68 games for the Lakers last season. Hachimura’s ability to play both forward spots and his efficient shooting (53.7% from the field and 42.2% from three) make him a solid building block for the Nets as they continue to build their young core.
Finally, Marvin Bagley III joins Brooklyn as a high-potential, low-risk addition. Bagley has struggled to live up to his No. 2 pick status but still offers upside as a talented big man. For the Nets, Bagley represents a gamble worth taking as they look to maximize his potential in a new environment.
This trade positions the Nets to remain competitive in the short term with veteran talent like Russell and Hachimura, while also setting themselves up for long-term success by clearing Simmons’ contract and adding assets that fit into their rebuilding plans.
The Wizards Set Their Sights On The Future
The Wizards are all in on their rebuild, and this trade perfectly reflects that. By sending out veterans like Kyle Kuzma and Malcolm Brogdon, the Wizards embrace a full reset. The team has been in a transitional phase for a while now, finishing with a franchise-worst 67 losses last season. Washington is clearly focused on stockpiling young talent and future draft picks, and this trade fits that agenda perfectly.
First off, Ben Simmons comes in as the main piece of this deal. While he hasn’t lived up to expectations in recent years, the Wizards are taking a gamble on his potential. Simmons is only 28 and, even with his struggles, remains an elite defender and playmaker when healthy. For a team in need of a leader and a playmaker, Simmons could be the key to jump-starting their rebuild—if he can stay on the court.
Adding Jarred Vanderbilt gives the Wizards a young, versatile forward who thrives on defense and hustle plays. Vanderbilt is the type of player who can fit into any system and provide energy off the bench or as a starter. For a team that’s been lacking identity, Vanderbilt could help set the tone on defense, especially with his ability to guard multiple positions.
The Wizards also score future draft capital with the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick and the Nets’ 2030 first-round pick. These picks are essential for a rebuilding team and could turn into valuable assets, whether used in future trades or for selecting potential franchise players down the line. With a young core headlined by Jordan Poole and Alex Sarr, these future picks help give the team flexibility to continue adding talent for years to come.
This trade signifies a shift for Washington, as they continue to move away from their veterans and focus on developing young talent and accumulating future assets. It’s a long-term play, but for a franchise that’s been stuck in mediocrity, this is the reset they desperately needed.
