The Los Angeles Lakers have had a quiet offseason outside drafting rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. The team had limited flexibility to sign players, with most of the players they pursued choosing to sign with other teams like Klay Thompson with the Mavericks and Buddy Hield with the Warriors. They look set to bring the same first-round exit roster back to the 2024-25 season, with new head coach JJ Redick.
However, there are weeks before training camp starts, so the Lakers have an opportunity to make a last-ditch move in September to add the players the franchise needs to make a competitive run in the West this season. Their minimal assets don’t help matters but LeBron James and Anthony Davis deserve to have a contending roster around them given the level at which they’ve performed for the last two seasons. The Detroit Pistons could send players who’d be far better served on a competitive squad like the Lakers.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jalen Duren, Tim Hardaway Jr.
Detroit Pistons Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Maxwell Lewis, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
JJ Redick has discussed the Lakers’ need to add another center to the roster already, but the franchise hasn’t made any moves to that effect. With prime target Jonas Valuncuinas unavailable, the Lakers can take a riskier bet on acquiring the 22-year-old Jalen Duren and give up a valuable first-round pick, but potentially acquire a center who could be solid for the team even after the retirements of LeBron and Davis.
The Lakers Add Key Reinforcements
The Lakers can’t realistically hope to improve a team whose ceiling means taking two or three games of the Nuggets in a Playoff series. We’ve seen a sweep and then a gentleman’s sweep in the last two seasons, making the roster inadequacies in comparison to a contender like Denver clear. Still, the Lakers front office hasn’t moved a muscle to make any acquisitions. This deal would be a clear sign of intent towards winning, especially to a player like LeBron who keeps re-signing with the team hoping to have a better shot at contention.
Duren averaged 13.8 points and 11.6 rebounds last season, still proving to be a raw prospect. Putting him in a situation alongside Anthony Davis in the frontline will allow him to thrive, as he can focus on being a pure rim-protector and lob threat behind the more versatile Davis. Both of them together would form one of the strongest frontcourts in a Western Conference where every contender needs to have multiple strategies to deal with center play.
Tim Hardaway Jr. averaged 14.4 points on a winning Mavericks roster, but a late-season shooting slump dropped him out of the rotation and shipped to Detroit. He serves little purpose to the Pistons but could be a valuable spark plug bench scorer for a Lakers team led by a star like LeBron. There isn’t much bench scoring on the roster if both D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves start, so Hardaway Jr. can embrace that role.
The Pistons Acquire Assets And Prepare To Tank
In terms of available draft picks around the NBA, the 2029 Lakers’ first-round pick is arguably among the most valuable single picks. Duren has a high ceiling that he could reach on the Pistons, but there are question marks around him and if his style of play is compatible with what Detroit wants. Keeping him also entails the Pistons having three non-shooters in their core with Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Ron Holland. Letting go of Duren out of these players seems the most sensible given they have greater potential as two-way threats in the NBA.
Vanderbilt barely played last season due to injury but averaged 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds, still proving to be one of the highest-potential wing defenders in the NBA. His 6’9″ frame and developing jumper would make him an intriguing developmental prospect for the Pistons. If he can enjoy a healthy season, acquiring Vanderbilt would be a cup for the Pistons.
Gabe Vincent, on the other hand, would likely be best used as a veteran for young guards like Marcus Sasser, averaging 9.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his last healthy season with the Heat in 2022-23. The pick will be the real prize for the Pistons, who could use to consolidate a trade package to bring Cade Cunningham the co-star he needs, provided he’s healthy enough to get extended time on the court.
Two Teams Move In Opposite Directions But Towards The Same Goal
The Lakers need to desperately find themselves as contenders, especially with their 2025 first-round pick in the hands of the Atlanta Hawks. The Pistons, on the other hand, might need to play the Draft lottery game for the fifth straight season with the hopes that this year they get lucky enough to jump up to No. 1.
Outside of that, there aren’t many avenues for roster-building in Detroit right now, especially with a new coach in J.B. Bickerstaff who’d like to establish his authority and identity on the team before thinking about winning.
The Lakers want a center and can always use additional shooting given the cold spells they’re prone to falling victim to. Duren adds a big body inside next to Davis which would strike fear into the hearts of any player foolish enough to run at them for a layup at the rim. If the perimeter defense is even halfway decent, the strength of the interior alone could lead to the Lakers gaining great success.
Duren is also a phenomenal backup behind Davis if any injuries come up for the 32-year-old star. This gives them insurance for a star getting hurt while also being complementary enough to play alongside him and make a real impact.
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