The Los Angeles Lakers, coming off a fiery 2023-24 season, are preparing for a crucial offseason. They ended the regular season with a record of 47-35, placing 7th in the Western Conference. Despite a spirited performance, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets, losing the series 4-1.
As the summer approaches, the Lakers face significant roster decisions, particularly with LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell both expected to decline their player options and enter free agency. LeBron, approaching 40, has a player option worth $51.4 million for the 2024-25 season. If he opts out, he’s expected to seek a new two-year contract worth around $50 million annually. Meanwhile, D’Angelo Russell’s player option stands at $18.6 million, and he might aim for a long-term deal in the range of $20-25 million annually.
Given LeBron’s limited time—potentially two, maybe three more seasons—the urgency for impactful changes is immense. Yet, amid a barrage of trade rumors, the Lakers must avoid certain pitfalls. Here, we examine three trade proposals that the Lakers should definitely steer clear of in the 2024 offseason to keep their championship aspirations alive.
1. The Lakers Shouldn’t Invest In A Darius Garland Move
Trade Details
Lakers Receive: Darius Garland
Cavaliers Receive: Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, No. 17 Pick
There have been a lot of rumors about the Cleveland Cavaliers potentially splitting up their star backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Most people think the Cavs see Mitchell as their main guy, making Garland more expendable. The Cavs were knocked out in the second round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics, which sparked these trade rumors. Garland had a rough playoff run in 2024, averaging 15.7 points on 42.7% shooting from the field and 35.2% from three, with 5.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game over 12 games.
Garland is currently on a lucrative extension, with his salary escalating to $40 million annually by the 2026-2027 season. This is a significant financial commitment for the Lakers, especially if Garland doesn’t elevate his game to an All-Star level consistently. Losing two key starters like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, plus a valuable first-round pick, for Garland—who is not that much better than Russell—does not seem like a wise investment. The Lakers need proven playoff performers to complement LeBron in his final years, and Garland hasn’t demonstrated that capability yet.
Additionally, Garland’s contract is a considerable long-term investment. While he has shown potential, his inability to deliver consistently in high-stakes games raises concerns about his fit with the Lakers, who are in win-now mode with LeBron James nearing the end of his career. Committing substantial salary cap space to a player who has not yet proven himself as a reliable playoff performer could hinder the Lakers’ flexibility to make other crucial moves.
2. Klay Thompson Would Not Be An Upgrade
Trade Details
Lakers Receive: Klay Thompson
Warriors Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, No. 17 Pick
Klay Thompson is a free agent this offseason and might still get a big offer from the Warriors even though he didn’t have the best 2023-2024 season. He averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, but his shooting was inconsistent, hitting only 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range.
The Lakers have been interested in Klay for a while because his dad, Mychal Thompson, played for them during the Showtime era. But at 34, Klay is expensive and probably past his prime. His recent performance and age make it doubtful he can stay healthy and productive for the duration of a new contract.
Golden State is likely to offer Klay a deal out of loyalty and appreciation for his contributions to their championships. However, his market value now is lower than his previous contracts. The Warriors might offer him something in the range of $20-25 million per year, which is still a lot considering his declining performance and injury history.
For the Lakers, trading away key players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, along with a valuable first-round pick, for an aging Klay doesn’t make sense. Reaves and Hachimura are young, have shown significant potential, and contribute consistently to the team’s success. Losing them for Klay, who is past his prime, would hurt the Lakers’ ability to build a balanced and competitive roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Klay’s decline and high salary demands make him less appealing for a team looking to maximize its championship window. The Lakers should focus on getting younger, more reliable players who can provide immediate impact and long-term stability, instead of heavily investing in a player whose best days are probably behind him.
3. A Brandon Ingram Comeback Is Unlikely
Trade Details
Lakers Receive: Brandon Ingram
Warriors Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, No. 17 Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
Brandon Ingram had a tough 2023-2024 season, and it didn’t get any better in the playoffs. During the regular season, he averaged 20.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, shooting 49.0% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range. These numbers were decent but not up to his usual standards, reflecting his struggles with consistency and efficiency.
In the 2024 playoffs, Ingram’s performance dipped even further. He averaged just 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game over four games, with his shooting percentages falling to 42.0% from the field and 31.8% from beyond the arc. This poor showing contributed to the Pelicans’ early exit, fueling rumors about potential trades.
After these struggles, there are whispers about Ingram being on the trade block. However, the Lakers shouldn’t bite. Ingram needs the ball in his hands to be effective, which doesn’t mesh well with LeBron James’ playstyle. Plus, giving up young talents like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, along with two first-round picks, is a massive gamble for a player who hasn’t been consistent and isn’t an All-Star caliber talent right now.
Ingram’s high salary and inconsistent play make him a risky acquisition for a team looking to maximize their championship window with LeBron. The Lakers should focus on players who can provide immediate and reliable contributions, rather than investing heavily in someone whose best days might already be behind him.
