The Los Angeles Lakers‘ offseason roster moves have resulted in significant improvements to their overall rotation. Having made some key signings to address their primary concerns, the Lakers have the potential to be a far more competitive team next season.
Although the Purple and Gold boast a solid rotation, with some even claiming that they are capable of contending for the title, there are some doubts concerning the actual depth of the team.
With the wings and the frontcourt being a point of contention, the Lakers could look to make improvements later on in the season. However, they may benefit from making some roster upgrades now.
In a trade idea with the Toronto Raptors, we explore how Los Angeles could acquire 25-year-old guard Ochai Agbaji. Let’s take a look at the proposal.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Ochai Agbaji
Toronto Raptors Receive: Dalton Knecht, Jaxson Hayes
Given Hayes’ recent contract signing, this trade would only become permissible in the second week of October. Given the assets being moved, both teams could stand to benefit from this deal.
Targeting Agbaji could be in the Lakers’ best interests. Given the team’s outlook on Dalton Knecht, the young guard has been mentioned in several trade rumors this offseason. On this note, acquiring an experienced replacement could add stability.
Agbaji’s career trajectory has been intriguing. In his rookie season with the Utah Jazz, the guard alternated between being a bench player and a key rotation player. While playing 20.5 minutes a game, he posted an average of 7.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.
Early in his sophomore year, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he seemingly regressed, raising concerns about his development. But these doubts were put to rest in his first complete season with the team.
While carving out a place for himself as a solid rotational piece for the team, Agbaji became a reliable boost off the bench in the 2024-25 season. As he offered solid two-way flexibility, the Raptors guard notched an average of 10.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.9 steals per game, while shooting 49.8% from the field and 39.9% from the three-point line.
Agbaji’s greatest assets are his versatility and his athleticism. As an elite athlete, he blends his leaping ability and agility with constantly improving shooting and dribbling skills. While he isn’t an outright scoring threat in isolation situations, he has showcased the potential to develop this aspect of his game.
Additionally, the Raptors guard also has impressive physical tools. His wide wingspan complements his agility. Along with his capability as a perimeter shooter, he projects himself to be a solid wing presence.
These traits could be considered valuable for the Lakers, who aimed to improve their wing depth this offseason. Additionally, with only one year left on his contract, the Purple and Gold would view this deal favorably as it allows them to keep cap space free for next summer. Overall, the Purple and Gold can benefit a lot from this deal.
Meanwhile, the Raptors also stand to gain something meaningful. When considering their roster’s makeup, the addition of Dalton Knecht and Jaxson Hayes could be viewed positively.
In his rookie season, Knecht showed scoring upside. While demonstrating his abilities as a three-point shooter, the 24-year-old also showcased his versatility as an offensive player, featuring a promising skill set in the midrange and while slashing to the basket.
Last season, Knecht posted an average of 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, on shooting splits of 46.1% from the field, 36.7% from three-point territory, and 76.2% from the free-throw line.
The Raptors currently have Gradey Dick, who fulfills a similar role as Knecht. But with the Lakers guard on their team, Toronto would add a lot more depth to their backcourt, allowing them to experiment more with their rotations.
In this regard, Toronto may be more interested in Hayes’ acquisition. Since parting ways with Chris Boucher, the Raptors’ big man rotation has been marginally weakened. To address, acquiring the Lakers’ center could be quite beneficial.
Last season, Hayes had to embrace the role of being a starter with the Lakers. By utilizing his athleticism, he was a consistent lob threat and a reliable passing option in the dunker’s spot. For the 2024-25 campaign, he put up an average of 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 72.2% from the field.
Hayes could be effective in the second unit, coming in behind Jakob Poeltl. Given that he’s also been improving his three-point shot, the Raptors could also use him in a similar capacity to Boucher as a floor-spacing big man.
What Do The Lakers Need To Improve?
As constructed, the Lakers are solid. With decent depth in each position, the Purple and Gold have a balanced roster. But when considering the improvements some of the other teams have made, the Lakers could also come up short in some ways.
At the current juncture, there is no way to tell what the team needs. While there is a lot of potential to contend for the title, it eventually comes down to execution. Hence, it seems more likely that the Lakers will only make adjustments later on, potentially after gauging the team’s performance at training camp.
