The Los Angeles Lakers have had a rather poor start to the offseason. After outlining the players they would be targeting as priority signings in free agency, the Purple and Gold have effectively whiffed on all of them.
With Brook Lopez headed to the Los Angeles Clippers and Clint Capela headed to the Houston Rockets, the Lakers find themselves in a difficult spot with regards to signing a big man. Free agent center Deandre Ayton currently tops the list as the best possible target, but recent revelations have also raised some doubts about this signing.
In summation, the Lakers’ current situation is far from ideal. With a need to make amends soon, we look at a simple trade idea that could help the Purple and Gold get their roster construction efforts back on track.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Yves Missi, Herb Jones
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2026 first-round pick (LAL swap), 2031 first-round pick
This trade addressed the Lakers’ immediate need for a big man and a wing defender. Let’s take a closer look at how this deal would impact both teams involved.
The Lakers Address Pressing Roster Concerns
The Lakers’ biggest concerns heading into the offseason came down to their frontcourt. With a need for a legitimate big man and wing depth, the Lakers set out to acquire the best pieces to fulfill this need.
Considering the team hasn’t made many moves to fulfill these needs, apart from the addition of Jake LaRavia in free agency, this trade would be the first step towards addressing their frontcourt depth issues.
The addition of Yves Missi would be incredible for the Purple and Gold. Considering that the team shifted its attention towards the Pelicans’ center, among other players, Missi could also be the ideal target given the circumstances.
At only 21 years old, Missi is a high-flying athletic center with great defensive upside. Coming off his rookie season, where he earned All-Rookie honors, Missi showcased terrific potential as a rim-runner and a defensive anchor. His averages of 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game have also been deemed impressive.
Meanwhile, the addition of Herb Jones, who has been viewed as a potential target for the team, rounds out the Lakers’ need for wing defenders. With Dorian Finney-Smith headed over to the Houston Rockets, the Purple and Gold desperately need reinforcements on the defensive front.
In this regard, Jones may be one of the best players to add. Although he is coming off an injury, there is enough reason to invest in the forward, who has showcased great athleticism and defensive prowess.
Having been named to the All-Defensive team in the 2023-24 season, Jones undoubtedly has the potential to be one of the best defenders in the league.
His averages of 10.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game from last season don’t do him much justice, but his ability to move without the ball will certainly be of value in an offense run by Luka Doncic.
New Orleans Pelicans Add More Talent
The New Orleans Pelicans have made some drastic additions to their team in the offseason. Having traded CJ McCollum to the Washington Wizards to acquire Jordan Poole, the Pelicans added more offensive depth and creativity. Their additional activities in the draft ensured that their frontcourt would be solidified as well.
In many ways, the Pelicans have primed themselves to have a solid season, as long as injuries don’t derail them again. With this trade, New Orleans would be sacrificing their young talent. Instead, the franchise would acquire a gifted shooter and a potent defensive force to go with valuable draft capital.
Dalton Knecht is one of the most sought-after assets that the Lakers have. His averages of 9.1 points per game certainly don’t impress, but his potential to develop into a lethal perimeter shooter certainly does. Last season, Knecht averaged 37.6% shooting from beyond the arc. With a lot of scope for growth, the Pelicans would benefit from having a capable shot-maker in their midst.
Meanwhile, Jarred Vanderbilt brings defensive support to the wings and the frontcourt. While Vanderbilt doesn’t have the same defensive quality as Jones, he brings significantly more to the table on the rebounding front (5.1 RPG). His length and size also allow him to guard multiple positions.
Although the Pelicans would experience a net loss with this deal in the short term, the two first-round picks would bring a lot of value to the team in the future.
The Lakers Need To Make Some Moves
There is a lot of uncertainty regarding the Lakers’ future. Whether the hesitation with making moves is deliberate or the product of a lack of options is yet to be discovered.
But given the circumstances, the Purple and Gold would be advised to begin by constructing their roster. The need to do so stems only from the situation involving LeBron James.
With James effectively giving the front office an ultimatum, threatening to request a trade if the team fails to form a title-contending roster, the Lakers are under the gun.
As reports about the Lakers’ intentions to retain cap space for the 2027 offseason draw the ire of the general public, confusion and doubt appear to have taken hold in Los Angeles.
