The Lakers had high hopes to shake things up after last season’s disappointing first-round playoff exit, but the 2024 offseason didn’t bring the stars they expected to Los Angeles. Despite rumors flying around about potential big-name targets, the Lakers ended up rolling into the new season with almost the same roster.
No superstar addition means the pressure is on the current core to perform, but they might be eyeing a sneaky move to get some much-needed depth from the Brooklyn Nets. Could this proposed trade bring the change the Lakers need? It might not be flashy, but it could be just what they need to balance the squad and push for a deeper run in 2025.
Proposed Trade
Lakers receive: Dennis Schroder, Bojan Bogdanovic, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected), 2028 Second-Round Pick, 2029 Second-Round Pick (via Mavericks)
Nets receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura
In this proposed trade, the Lakers would get Dennis Schroder, Bojan Bogdanovic, and a few future picks from the Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Nets would land D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, adding some solid versatility to their roster. It’s not a blockbuster move, but it gives both teams some key pieces that could fit their needs. The Lakers add more depth and experience, while the Nets bring in younger talent with room to grow.
Why The Lakers Benefit From This
The Lakers could really benefit from this trade, especially given D’Angelo Russell’s struggles to fit with the team last season. Despite averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists during the 2023-24 season, Russell’s inconsistent shooting and defense were problematic, especially in high-stakes moments like the 2024 playoffs. His numbers dipped to 14.2 points on 38.4% shooting, which just didn’t cut it when the team needed more reliable production. While Russell is a skilled playmaker, he needs the ball in his hands a lot, which didn’t always work alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who are the Lakers’ primary offensive engines.
That’s where Dennis Schroder steps in as a better fit. Schroder isn’t a high-usage player like Russell, making him more complementary to LeBron and AD. During his 2023-24 stint with the Brooklyn Nets, Schroder averaged 14.6 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. He brings a scrappy defensive mindset and is quicker at initiating the offense, allowing LeBron to take over when needed without sacrificing ball movement. Schroder also has the experience of playing with the Lakers before, and his ability to push the tempo or run the second unit would provide LA with more flexibility. Plus, his defense is a big upgrade over Russell, which was one of LA’s weakest points in their backcourt.
Bojan Bogdanovic would be the ideal addition for the Lakers’ offense, which desperately needs more shooting. After being traded to the Nets in the Mikal Bridges deal, Bogdanovic probably won’t stay long-term. But with his shooting ability—he’s consistently been a 40% three-point shooter throughout his career—the Lakers could finally solve one of their biggest issues: floor spacing. Adding someone like Bogdanovic would open up driving lanes for LeBron and take some of the offensive load off Anthony Davis, allowing him to focus more on defense and rebounding.
Moreover, with Bojan being a seasoned veteran who can knock down clutch shots, the Lakers would have a reliable option in key moments. The team struggled with perimeter shooting last season, and adding someone with Bogdanovic’s caliber from deep would be a massive upgrade. With his ability to space the floor, Schroder’s playmaking, and their improved defensive capabilities, the Lakers could become a more balanced and dangerous team without needing to chase after a big-name superstar. This trade would give them the right tools to push for a deeper playoff run in 2025.
Why The Nets Should Jump On This Deal
The Nets are clearly in the middle of a retooling phase after sending Mikal Bridges to the Knicks earlier this offseason. With veterans like Bojan Bogdanovic likely on their way out too, the Nets can take advantage of this trade to secure some young talent and solidify their roster. Adding Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell could give them exactly what they need to balance their current rebuild while staying competitive in the short term.
Rui Hachimura is still only 26, and he had a solid 2023-24 season, putting up 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He’s shown he can contribute on both ends of the floor, and his efficient shooting last year (an impressive 53.7% from the field and 42.2% from three) makes him a great fit for the Nets’ future plans. He’s versatile enough to play multiple positions and gives the Nets a young forward with upside who can grow with their developing core.
Then there’s D’Angelo Russell, who would bring some much-needed experience to this young squad. For the Nets, who have emerging talent like Cam Thomas, having a veteran point guard like Russell around to mentor the younger players could be huge. He knows how to lead an offense, and his presence would take some pressure off the younger guys as they find their footing in the league.
This trade wouldn’t just help the Nets in the long run, though—it also keeps them competitive right now. Hachimura and Russell aren’t just throw-ins; they’re both capable of making an immediate impact on the floor. While the Nets look to develop their younger players, these two additions would allow them to stay relevant and give their growing roster the veteran leadership and skill it needs.
