The Lakers are sailing in the offseason with big decisions to make. LeBron James, set to play alongside his son Bronny for the first time in NBA history, is gearing up for another championship run. The Lakers are entering the offseason with big decisions to make. The recent hiring of JJ Redick as head coach adds a new dynamic, and with Anthony Davis anchoring the defense, the team needs to solidify its roster. Here are three trade moves the Lakers should consider right now to maximize their chances of success next season.
1. Darius Garland As The Offensive Orchestrator
Lakers receive: Darius Garland
Cavaliers receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, 2029 first-round pick
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to bring in Darius Garland to boost their offensive playmaking. Garland, who has been at the center of trade rumors, could be the key player the Lakers need to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Cavaliers, facing a decision on their roster configuration, might be open to moving Garland, especially with Donovan Mitchell recently signing a three-year, $150 million extension.
In the 2023-24 season, Garland averaged 18.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 57 games. His ability to orchestrate the offense and provide scoring makes him an ideal fit for the Lakers, who have struggled with consistent playmaking. Garland’s skill set would allow LeBron to play more off the ball, preserving his energy for key moments in games.
D’Angelo Russell, although a talented scorer, didn’t fully integrate into the Lakers’ system as expected. Russell averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 76 games last season. Rui Hachimura, on the other hand, showed potential but was inconsistent, posting averages of 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 68 games. Trading them to Cleveland, along with a future first-round pick, provides the Cavaliers with immediate talent and future assets.
Garland’s arrival would bring youth and speed to the Lakers, crucial for a roster that relies heavily on its veteran stars. His presence would help stabilize the Lakers’ offense, making it more dynamic and versatile. The potential for Garland to grow alongside LeBron and AD could make the Lakers a formidable team in the Western Conference.
For the Cavaliers, acquiring Russell and Hachimura offers flexibility and depth. Russell’s scoring and playmaking can help balance the backcourt with Mitchell, while Hachimura adds versatility to their forward rotation. The future first-round pick adds a valuable asset for long-term planning.
The trade scenario provides a strategic path forward for both teams. The Lakers get a young, dynamic point guard in Garland, who can drive their offense, while the Cavaliers gain immediate talent and future flexibility. This trade could be the bold move the Lakers need to maximize their championship window with LeBron and AD.
2. Deandre Ayton Anchoring The Paint
Lakers receive: Deandre Ayton
Trail Blazers receive: Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt
The Lakers are looking to strengthen their frontcourt by acquiring Deandre Ayton from the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton, who has been the subject of various trade rumors, could provide the Lakers with the dominant center they need to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
In the 2023-24 season, Ayton averaged 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 55 games. Despite his solid performance, there have been ongoing discussions about his fit within the Blazers’ roster. After acquiring Donovan Clingan in the 2024 NBA Draft, Portland might be willing to trade Ayton to focus on their youth movement and rebuild their team around young talents like Scoot Henderson.
The Lakers, on the other hand, struggled with consistent production from their big men last season. While Anthony Davis is a defensive anchor, adding Ayton would provide the Lakers with another strong rebounder and interior scorer. This move could also help alleviate some of the physical burden on Davis, allowing him to focus more on his defensive duties and stay healthier throughout the season.
Trading Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt to the Blazers would offer Portland the depth they need. These players could fit well around Portland’s young core, providing the Blazers with the role players necessary to support their developing stars.
For the Lakers, Ayton’s presence in the paint would be invaluable. He could serve as a primary scoring option inside, creating space for LeBron and AD to operate on the perimeter. Additionally, Ayton’s defensive skills would bolster the Lakers’ interior defense, making them a more formidable opponent in the West.
This trade offers a win-win scenario: the Blazers gain valuable depth to support their rebuild, while the Lakers acquire a young, talented center to anchor their frontcourt. It’s a bold move that could significantly enhance the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
3. CJ McCollum As The Veteran Scorer
Lakers receive: CJ McCollum
Pelicans receive: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, 2029 first-round pick
The Lakers are considering bringing in CJ McCollum to add veteran leadership and scoring depth. McCollum, who is not considered untouchable by the Pelicans, could be the steady presence the Lakers need. Despite the Pelicans’ preference to keep him, they might be persuaded to trade him if the right offer comes along.
In the 2023-24 season, McCollum averaged 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, shooting 43% from three-point range. His scoring ability and experience would fit well alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, providing another reliable offensive option.
Earlier this offseason, the Pelicans acquired Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, which was a move the Lakers had also considered. However, with Murray now off the table, the Lakers could turn their attention to McCollum as a viable alternative. This move would still provide the Lakers with a seasoned scorer and playmaker, albeit on a slightly smaller scale than Murray.
D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent, who are part of this trade package, offer valuable skills to the Pelicans. Russell, averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists, can efficiently run the offense. Vincent, known for his defense and shooting, averaged 9.4 points per game. Adding a 2029 first-round pick gives the Pelicans future flexibility.
For the Lakers, McCollum’s arrival would enhance their backcourt, adding a clutch shooter and playmaker. His ability to space the floor and create his own shot would complement LeBron’s playmaking and AD’s inside presence, making the Lakers more versatile and potent offensively.
Rumors about McCollum’s availability have been circulating, with sources suggesting he could be moved to balance the Pelicans’ roster and focus on their younger core. This trade would benefit both teams. The Pelicans gain depth and future assets, while the Lakers acquire a seasoned scorer to bolster their championship aspirations. It’s a strategic move that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of both franchises.
