The Los Angeles Lakers (24-25) need help this season, falling to the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks by double-digits in the last two games. LeBron James is 39 years old and Anthony Davis is actually playing at his best, meaning the Lakers need to take advantage and go for the championship this season. Luckily, there are three realistic targets on the block for the Lakers who could make a major difference.
At the same time, there are three unrealistic deals on the table that the Lakers will only dream of engaging in. Lakers fans want a superstar player to pair with James and Davis, but it might not be possible considering how rebuilding teams want to acquire multiple picks, which the Lakers do not have. Here are the three realistic and unrealistic deals for the Lakers before the Trade Deadline on February 8th.
Realistic Trades
Dejounte Murray
2023-24 Season Statistics: 21.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Acquiring Dejounte Murray would be a realistic and impactful move for the Los Angeles Lakers. Murray’s 2023-24 season statistics highlight his well-rounded skills, averaging 21.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 38.8% from three. His ability to contribute in scoring, playmaking, and defense makes him an attractive target and he has developed significantly since his days with the San Antonio Spurs.
In terms of fit, Murray’s skill set aligns seamlessly with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His playmaking ability would alleviate some of the ball-handling duties from James, allowing him to focus on scoring and creating opportunities. Additionally, Murray’s defensive prowess would complement Davis in fortifying the Lakers’ defense, potentially forming a formidable trio. Remember, Murray led the NBA in steals in 2021-22 and made the 2017-18 All-Defensive Second Team.
A potential trade involving D’Angelo Russell and the 2029 First-Round Pick, along with any necessary fillers, seems reasonable. The Lakers’ interest in Murray has been previously reported, and such a trade could solidify a Big Three in Los Angeles, providing the team with a versatile and dynamic backcourt presence. It also helps that the Lakers might be able to save up to $16 million in luxury tax if they do acquire the guard. The addition of Murray could address some of the Lakers’ needs and elevate them to serious contention in the Western Conference.
Zach LaVine
2023-24 Season Statistics: 19.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
All-Star guard Zach LaVine could be another realistic target, especially given the reported trade talks surrounding LaVine and the Chicago Bulls. LaVine’s 2023-24 season statistics, though slightly down, still showcase his scoring ability, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game on only 34.9% from three. This is a far cry from last season’s averages of 24.8 points on 37.5% from three.
In terms of fit, LaVine’s scoring prowess provides the Lakers with an additional offensive weapon. His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor with his shooting would alleviate pressure on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LaVine’s versatility in scoring, combined with his athleticism, could significantly enhance the Lakers’ offensive capabilities on the break and in the half-court. The Lakers rank 14th in offense and their only hope to become a contender is to take their offense into the top ten.
A proposed trade package involving D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and a 2029 First-Round Pick appears reasonable, especially if the Bulls are considering a roster overhaul. LaVine’s potential move to the Lakers could form a dynamic Big Three, bringing together three high-caliber scorers with different skill sets that work together. LaVine is also 28 years old with two All-Star Teams to his name so he can be a long-term partner for Davis once James decides to hang it up.
Kyle Lowry
2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
In case all else fails, acquiring Kyle Lowry as a free agent presents a pragmatic and low-risk option for the Los Angeles Lakers. Lowry’s 2023-24 season statistics, while reflective of the later stages of his career, still showcase his ability to contribute across various facets of the game, averaging 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 38.5% from three.
Lowry’s potential availability as a free agent, following a likely buyout after being traded to the Charlotte Hornets from the Miami Heat, aligns with the Lakers’ need for improved point guard play, veteran leadership, and additional shooting. His experience and basketball IQ could provide stability to the Lakers’ backcourt, and his reputation as a tenacious defender could contribute to their defensive schemes.
While Lowry may not be a high-volume scorer at this stage of his career, his ability to control the pace of the game and make timely plays aligns with what the Lakers need in a point guard. Additionally, his championship experience with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 could bring valuable leadership to the Lakers’ locker room.
Considering his age and the potential for reduced minutes during the regular season, Lowry could be an ideal candidate for a backup role behind D’Angelo Russell. In crucial playoff moments, his playoff-tested experience could prove critical, and the Lakers can strategically utilize him in key situations.
Unrealistic Trades
Donovan Mitchell
2023-24 Season Statistics: 27.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Acquiring Donovan Mitchell for the Los Angeles Lakers would undoubtedly be a dream scenario, especially given his outstanding 2023-24 season statistics of 27.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. However, the reality of such a trade appears highly unlikely due to various factors.
Firstly, Mitchell’s apparent focus on the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding his future, suggests a strong commitment to his current team. Even if his tenure with the Cavaliers becomes uncertain, it is improbable that the Cavs would willingly trade him to the Lakers, a Western Conference rival. Many teams have been hesitant to “help” the Lakers in recent seasons, and Dan Gilbert is certainly one of them when considering his past with LeBron James.
Secondly, the Cavaliers would likely demand a substantial return, similar to what the Utah Jazz received when they traded Mitchell. The Lakers, with limited valuable assets in terms of first-round picks, might not be able to match the level of offers that other teams could present as only the 2029 First-Round Pick proves to be valuable. A proposed package involving Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and additional assets may not be sufficient to entice the Cavaliers to part ways with their star guard, especially considering there will be better offers from other teams.
While the addition of Donovan Mitchell to the Lakers’ roster would indeed make them perennial favorites in the West, the logistics and dynamics surrounding such a trade make it highly unrealistic. Other teams with more assets and draft picks to offer are likely to present more attractive packages for Mitchell and that means this trade is very unlikely.
DeMar DeRozan
2023-24 Season Statistics: 22.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
While the addition of DeMar DeRozan to the Los Angeles Lakers would undoubtedly bolster their offensive firepower, the current circumstances make such a trade highly unrealistic. The Chicago Bulls have expressed a strong desire to retain DeRozan, valuing him as a key component of their roster, even more than Zach LaVine.
DeRozan’s 2023-24 season statistics, with averages of 22.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, highlight his continued effectiveness as a scorer and playmaker. His ability to create in isolation, coupled with a solid shooting performance of 46.8% from the floor and 34.6% from three, would undoubtedly enhance the Lakers’ offensive capabilities as the third option behind James and Davis.
From the Bulls’ perspective, keeping DeRozan makes sense for various reasons. His veteran presence contributes to the development of the younger players on the team, providing valuable leadership and on-court guidance. Additionally, DeRozan’s offensive prowess serves as a draw for fans, contributing to ticket sales and overall team visibility.
While DeRozan could undoubtedly make the Lakers a stronger team, the Bulls’ determination to retain him more than LaVine, given his importance to their current setup and future plans, makes a trade unrealistic. The Lakers would need to present an exceptionally compelling offer to entice the Bulls to part ways with DeRozan, a scenario that seems improbable at this point.
Lauri Markkanen
2023-24 Season Statistics: 23.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
The prospect of acquiring Lauri Markkanen, who is enjoying an impressive 2023-24 season with averages of 23.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, would indeed be enticing for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the realities of such a trade seem highly unlikely due to the steep asking price set by the Utah Jazz.
Given Markkanen’s outstanding performance and the Jazz’s decent season, with a 24-25 record and a 5-5 run over the last 10 games before Monday night’s loss, it is evident that the Jazz value Markkanen highly and may be reluctant to part ways with him. The reported high asking price, likely involving multiple first-round picks, poses a significant hurdle for the Lakers, who may lack the necessary assets to meet the Jazz’s demands.
While Markkanen’s All-Star-level play at the age of 26 makes him an attractive prospect for any team, the Lakers’ inability to present a compelling trade package diminishes the likelihood of such a trade occurring. Austin Reaves, while a promising young player, might not be the most enticing asset for a trade of this magnitude. Markkanen would be a perfect fit alongside Anthony Davis because he is an excellent shot-blocker, can rebound, and can also score, but the problem remains the Lakers cannot meet Utah’s asking price.
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