The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had the best season so far despite making the Western Conference Finals last year. With a 19-19 record, the Lakers are a middle-of-a-road team and that is proven by the fact that they rank 19th in offense and 16th in defense. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been All-Star performers, but there hasn’t been much help for them. That is why the Lakers are stuck in a play-in spot.
Luckily, there could be trades on the table for the Lakers to acquire one of five available shooting guards. To get more offense flowing and become more than a two-man team, the Lakers need to pull the plug on some of their players and try to add some more shooting, scoring, and perimeter energy. Here are the five shooting guards the Lakers can add this season before the February trade deadline.
Jordan Clarkson Returns To Los Angeles
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Bringing back a familiar face in Jordan Clarkson, who previously donned the Purple and Gold between 2015 and 2018, not only adds a nostalgic element for fans but also injects a proven scorer into the mix. Clarkson’s ability to put up points in bunches makes him a valuable asset, whether utilized as a starter or coming off the bench. This season, Clarkson is averaging 17.4 points per game in 19 starts over 28 appearances.
His familiarity with the Lakers’ schemes and the organization itself could facilitate a smoother integration into the team, enhancing chemistry and cohesion on the court. Given his track record, Clarkson could offer a reliable scoring option and add depth to the Lakers’ backcourt, addressing any offensive shortcomings. On the other hand, Rui Hachimura, who has not quite lived up to expectations (11.6 PPG), opens the door for a potential upgrade with Clarkson’s arrival.
This trade package, viewed through the Lakers’ lens, appears to be a strategic move to enhance their offensive prowess and overall team dynamics. Clarkson is not shooting the ball well this season, only 29.9% from three, but he is a career 33.7% shooter and might be able to get his percentages up to at least 36% which he last hit in the 2019-20 season. Regardless, Clarkson would improve the Lakers’ offense far more than Hachimura can this season.
A Veteran Upgrade In The Starting Lineup
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Detroit Pistons Receive: Austin Reaves
Bogdan Bogdanovic, currently with the Atlanta Hawks, brings a wealth of experience and a skill set that would be a substantial upgrade to the Lakers’ starting lineup. Notably, his proficiency as a shooter (37.5%) surpasses that of Austin Reaves (33.7%), providing the Lakers with a reliable scoring option from beyond the arc. Moreover, Bogdanovic’s defensive capabilities elevate him as a better all-around player compared to Reaves, addressing potential gaps on the defensive end for the Lakers.
Bogdanovic’s impressive numbers this season with the Atlanta Hawks underscore his value because he is posting 17.7 points per game on terrific shooting efficiency. As a team that may be contemplating a rebuild and potential trades, the Hawks could find the proposition of a straight swap involving Reaves appealing. The age factor comes into play here, with Reaves being six years younger and offering the Hawks a promising long-term prospect.
In contrast, the Lakers, in win-now mode, stand to benefit from Bogdanovic’s immediate impact on the court. Bogdanovic’s proven abilities as a scorer and defender make him a valuable addition to the Lakers’ roster, particularly as they seek to solidify their position as contenders in the highly competitive Western Conference. LeBron James is 39 years old, so engaging in a straight swap without losing other assets could fit the bill for a title contender.
Improved Shooting And Playmaking With Terry Rozier
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent
The proposed trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets, bringing Terry Rozier to the Lakers, could mark a significant improvement in both shooting and playmaking for the team. Rozier, an aggressive defender with a demonstrated desire to win, would bring a wealth of experience to the Lakers, particularly in playoff scenarios, dating back to his days with the Boston Celtics. At almost 30 years old, Rozier’s seasoned approach to the game aligns well with the Lakers’ win-now mentality.
One of the most enticing aspects of this potential deal is Rozier’s elite scoring this season. With a commendable 36.7% three-point shooting this season, in line with his career average, he would instantly enhance the Lakers’ perimeter scoring. Moreover, his impressive scoring average of 24.3 points per game on 46.4% shooting from the field shows he could be a fringe All-Star when it comes to getting buckets. This scoring punch is precisely what the Lakers need, providing an upgrade over Austin Reaves in terms of offensive output and playmaking ability.
On the flip side, the Charlotte Hornets, in a rebuilding phase, could find value in acquiring younger players like Reaves to surround LaMelo Ball. This trade, from the Lakers’ perspective, not only improves their offense with a 20-point per-game scorer but also improves their aggressiveness and hustle on both ends of the court. No doubt, Lakers Nation would love to have Rozier compete for them.
A New Big Three With Zach LaVine
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
The prospect of bringing Zach LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers could establish a new Big Three for the team. LaVine’s skill set is nothing short of exceptional — he’s a terrific shooter, a dynamic athlete who excels in fast-break situations and has the ability to take on a prominent perimeter scoring role. At 28 years old, LaVine not only provides an immediate impact but also represents a valuable long-term asset for the Lakers.
The dream of forming a Big Three with LeBron James and Anthony Davis becomes a reality with the addition of LaVine. His offensive prowess and ability to create scoring opportunities not only complement the playing styles of James and Davis but also alleviate the burden on them, creating a more well-rounded and potent offensive pairing. LaVine is only averaging 20.1 points per game this season but he has posted at least 23 points per game every year since 2018-19 and can get back to that level with James and Davis beside him.
Parting ways with their best backcourt players D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and a 2029 first-round pick is a substantial investment, but the potential payoff in terms of on-court success cannot be denied. LaVine’s presence would undoubtedly bolster the Lakers’ offense, currently ranked 19th in the league, and elevate the team to another level.
Donovan Mitchell
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
The proposed trade bringing Donovan Mitchell to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and draft picks is undoubtedly a blockbuster deal that could reshape the landscape of the NBA. Mitchell, one of the premier shooting guards in the league, brings an elite scoring ability, averaging an impressive 27.2 points per game on decent shooting percentages (45.5% FG, 35.0% 3-PT FG). At 27 years old, Mitchell not only contributes as an immediate star but also provides the Lakers with a long-term centerpiece for their future.
The addition of Mitchell to the Lakers’ roster would form a powerhouse Big Three alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, creating an offensive juggernaut that few teams could contend with. Mitchell’s one-on-one scoring prowess, combined with his ability to stretch the floor, would not only complement the playing styles of James and Davis but elevate the Lakers to the upper echelons of the league. The prospect of having the best Big Three in the NBA would undoubtedly make the Lakers strong contenders for the NBA Finals.
With James 39 years old and counting and Anthony Davis having one of the best seasons of his career (25.7 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 2.6 BPG), the Lakers need to go all-in for Donovan Mitchell if he becomes available. It isn’t often a player like Mitchell has his future uncertain in a particular team, but this could be the case and a Big Three including the player could elevate what the Purple and Gold do this season in a terrific bid for the NBA Finals.
