The Los Angeles Lakers opted for continuity this offseason, making only minor adjustments to the roster (signing Christian Koloko) that saw a first-round playoff exit last year. Despite growing fan calls for a blockbuster trade, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka addressed the situation in a Wednesday press conference, shedding light on the team’s approach. He emphasized that if they were to deal their remaining first-round picks, it would be for a player who aligns perfectly with the franchise’s long-term vision.
The Lakers can only trade their 2029 and 2031 First-Round Picks for any deals this season (or just the 2030 First-Round Pick if not combined with 2029 and 2031), and with that in mind, here are the four most realistic NBA stars they can acquire using their assets.
Jimmy Butler
Potential Trade Offer
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick
Landing Jimmy Butler would instantly elevate the Los Angeles Lakers into title contention. Butler, a six-time All-Star and the heart and soul of the Miami Heat, has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at an elite level, particularly during the playoffs. His defensive tenacity, clutch performances, and leadership on both ends of the floor are well-documented. In the 2023-24 season, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, while also being a defensive stalwart with 1.3 steals per game. His ability to dominate in key moments, as seen in Miami’s Finals run in 2023, would fill a critical need for the Lakers regarding veteran leadership and crunch-time production, especially alongside LeBron James.
This trade helps the Heat remain competitive while gaining valuable assets, especially since Jimmy Butler’s time in Miami could be over. D’Angelo Russell, although inconsistent at times, offers playmaking and scoring as a former All-Star who posted 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game last season. Rui Hachimura, a versatile forward, has shown flashes of brilliance with his mid-range game and defense (13.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG), and Gabe Vincent is a former Heat player who fits perfectly within their system as a gritty, defense-first guard. Jalen Hood-Schifino, a promising young player, could develop under Miami’s excellent player development program, and the 2029 first-round pick gives them future flexibility.
For the Lakers, Butler’s fit would be seamless. As a defensive-minded player who thrives in high-pressure situations, he complements LeBron and Anthony Davis perfectly. His ability to guard multiple positions and create his own shot makes him a perfect third star. With Butler, the Lakers would possess one of the most experienced and battle-tested Big Threes in the NBA, making them a legitimate title contender capable of dethroning teams like Denver or Minnesota.
Trae Young
Potential Trade Offer
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Trae Young
Miami Heat Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
Adding Trae Young would bring an offensive dynamo to the Lakers, providing the team with a dynamic playmaker who could change the course of games with his scoring and passing. Young, a two-time All-Star, averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists in the 2023-24 season, showcasing his elite offensive capabilities. He’s one of the best long-range shooters in the NBA, able to stretch defenses far beyond the three-point line. His fit with LeBron James would be unique, as LeBron could focus on playing off the ball more, allowing Trae to run the offense and create scoring opportunities for the team’s other stars, including Anthony Davis.
The Atlanta Hawks, in this scenario, would get a balanced return of talent and future picks. D’Angelo Russell can play a similar scoring and playmaking role to Young, albeit less efficiently, while Rui Hachimura provides a solid two-way forward to complement the Hawks’ frontcourt. Gabe Vincent is a reliable guard who brings playoff experience and defense, while the 2029 and 2031 first-round picks could help Atlanta either rebuild or make future moves. The Hawks have already been linked to trade rumors involving Trae Young, and this move could signal a shift toward a more defensive and balanced roster.
For the Lakers, Young’s ability to shoot from deep and create his own shot adds a new dimension to their offense, which often stagnates without LeBron or AD on the floor. His pick-and-roll game with Anthony Davis would be nearly unstoppable, and with the team’s solid defensive pieces in place, they could cover for some of Young’s defensive shortcomings. Adding a player with Young’s shooting range and passing ability would transform the Lakers into one of the top offensive teams in the league.
LaMelo Ball
Potential Trade Offer
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: LaMelo Ball
Miami Heat Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick
LaMelo Ball represents a youth movement for the Lakers, providing them with a future star point guard to pair alongside Anthony Davis for years to come. At just 23 years old, Ball is already an All-Star and averaged 23.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 season before being sidelined with injury. His size (6’7″) and court vision make him one of the most unique point guards in the NBA, capable of orchestrating an offense, scoring at all three levels, and using his length to impact the game defensively. Ball’s flashy style and high basketball IQ would make him an exciting addition to the Lakers, especially given his passing ability and chemistry potential with LeBron and Davis.
For the Charlotte Hornets, trading LaMelo would signal a major rebuild, but the return package is compelling. D’Angelo Russell, while not as young, is an experienced scorer who could help bridge the gap as they develop other young players. Rui Hachimura would give them a versatile forward to pair with their young core, while Jalen Hood-Schifino offers untapped potential as a long-term piece. Additionally, the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick could be highly valuable as a rebuilding asset. This trade could position Charlotte for a fresh start while gaining several solid players to build around.
LaMelo’s fit with the Lakers is intriguing, as he could shoulder much of the playmaking responsibilities from LeBron James, allowing James to conserve energy and play more off the ball. His defensive versatility and length would also improve the Lakers’ perimeter defense. In addition, LaMelo’s creativity in transition and his ability to find teammates in difficult positions would make the Lakers one of the most dangerous fast-break teams in the NBA. This move not only helps the Lakers now but also sets them up for the future once LeBron James decides to hang it up.
Tyler Herro
Potential Trade Offer
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Tyler Herro
Miami Heat Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
Tyler Herro’s scoring prowess makes him an attractive target for the Lakers, especially with his ability to shoot from beyond the arc. Herro averaged 20.8 points per game on 39.6% shooting from three-point range during the 2023-24 season. His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor would alleviate some of the offensive burden from LeBron and Anthony Davis. Herro’s quick release and off-ball movement would allow him to thrive in a Lakers offense that could use more shooting and spacing to open up lanes for their stars. Given his age (24), Herro would also represent a long-term piece who could continue developing into a potential All-Star.
For the Miami Heat, this trade would bring back D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, while also securing valuable future draft capital. Russell’s scoring and playmaking would allow him to fit into Miami’s offense, while Hachimura provides additional defensive versatility. The 2029 and 2031 first-round picks would give Miami additional options for building their future roster or pursuing other trades. With this move, Miami could retool while staying competitive in the Eastern Conference.
For the Lakers, adding Herro would provide a reliable third option offensively and a shooter who can space the floor. Herro’s ability to hit contested shots and score in bunches would relieve pressure on LeBron and AD, particularly in late-game situations where they need additional offensive firepower. His youth also provides the Lakers with flexibility, as they could groom him into a key piece for the future while benefiting from his scoring and shooting in the immediate term.
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