The Los Angeles Lakers are clearly a poor team right now currently, the only shining light for them is LeBron James’ dominant play. Anthony Davis is hurt right now but could come back later in the season. The two stars have been playing at a high level this year, and it is clear that they can still make a deep run in the playoffs if they manage to get there.
- Cam Reddish Can Provide Defense For The Lakers
- Eric Gordon Can Help The Team With Ballhandling And Shooting
- Bojan Bogdanovic Would Be A Perfect Fit With The Lakers’ Stars
- Terry Rozier Would Give The Team Another Shot Creator
- Jordan Clarkson Would Inject More Offense Into The Starting Lineup
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Though it was recently reported that the Los Angeles Lakers do not want to make any win-now moves involving any first-round picks, there is a chance that they could do some sort of move if LeBron James and Anthony Davis push for that, with the media potentially providing some pressure on the front office as well.
Here are some moves that could end up being “panic trades” for the Los Angeles Lakers. None of these moves have the Los Angeles Lakers trading both of their first-round picks, meaning that they will have some flexibility for the future. Without further ado, here are 5 elite targets for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Cam Reddish Can Provide Defense For The Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Cam Reddish
New York Knicks Receive: Kendrick Nunn, 2023 Second-Round Pick (LAL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Cam Reddish is a solid 3 and D wing, who leans more toward the defensive end of that role. He is currently out of the rotation for the New York Knicks, but perhaps he could be of use to the Los Angeles Lakers. Due to his athleticism and defense, he could be a good fit for Darvin Ham’s system. If his 3PT shooting ever gets back to the level he showed last season, Cam Reddish will be a great player to have.
Due to his current situation with the New York Knicks, it is quite likely that the Los Angeles Lakers wouldn’t actually have to give up a first-round pick for Cam Reddish. Two second-rounders and Kendrick Nunn’s expiring contract should suffice for the New York Knicks to be intrigued, as Cam Reddish is on an expiring contract of his own. They would be able to avoid paying him a new contract, while also getting draft compensation.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, this would be a low-cost move that isn’t necessarily risky but could still help the team improve. We have seen players such as Lonnie Walker IV start to figure things out once with the Los Angeles Lakers, and perhaps that could be the case for Cam Reddish as well.
Eric Gordon Can Help The Team With Ballhandling And Shooting
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Eric Gordon
Houston Rockets Receive: Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Eric Gordon obviously has a reputation as a solid sixth man, and he can provide a lot offensively for a team. Gordon is a solid ballhandler and 3PT shooter and has plenty of experience in the playoffs. As of right now, Eric Gordon is averaging 11.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 2.4 APG while shooting 34.7% from beyond the arc. The Los Angeles Lakers would likely be getting him to provide some shooting for the starting lineup, as that is an area of concern for the team.
This trade offer from the Los Angeles Lakers would feature the expiring contracts of Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn, as well as their 2027 first-round pick. This would likely be enough to satisfy the Houston Rockets, who have been holding out for a first-round pick in any trade featuring the guard. Perhaps there could be some protections put on the pick as well on the Los Angeles Lakers’ end.
This trade would be a simple Lakers trade for a solid role player that fills key areas of need offensively. Eric Gordon is a solid player that can start or come off the bench, and he would be a fantastic complementary player that can help LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook.
Bojan Bogdanovic Would Be A Perfect Fit With The Lakers’ Stars
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Bojan Bogdanovic
Detroit Pistons Receive: Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Bojan Bogdanovic is an elite shooter that is currently having a career year with the Detroit Pistons. Currently, Bogdanovic is putting up 20.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 2.4 APG while shooting 40.9% from beyond the arc. His off-ball game, shooting ability, and supplementary shot creation will definitely make him a good fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In terms of fit specifically, he could be the best option on this list. He has shown that he can play a complementary role in the past, and there would be no issues for him in terms of taking a backseat.
Our trade offer for Bojan Bogdanovic has the Los Angeles Lakers sending out a solid package featuring the previously mentioned expiring contracts of Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn, along with a fully unprotected 2027 first-round pick. The team has already discussed sending out Patrick Beverley and a protected first-round pick in exchange for the forward, but the Pistons value what Bogdanovic brings to the table. Perhaps making that pick unprotected could make them change their mind about moving Bogdanovic.
There is no doubt that Bojan Bogdanovic would be a solid option for the Los Angeles Lakers on the offensive end. The team clearly believes he can help them based on the consistent trade rumors linking Bojan Bogdanovic to the Los Angeles Lakers, and we’ll see if he is able to make his way over there in the future.
Terry Rozier Would Give The Team Another Shot Creator
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Patrick Beverley, Lonnie Walker IV, 2025 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Terry Rozier is well-known for being a microwave scorer, particularly thriving in clutch moments. There’s no doubt that adding another offensive threat and shot creator could be beneficial for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially while Anthony Davis is out. Terry Rozier is currently averaging 20.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 5.5 APG for the Charlotte Hornets, albeit inefficiently. It is clear that he has expanded his game to include playmaking as well, and it’d be interesting to see how he does on the Los Angeles Lakers.
This trade offer features the Los Angeles Lakers sending out Patrick Beverley and Lonnie Walker IV, along with their 2025 first-round pick. Patrick Beverley is being included due to his expiring contract, but he could provide some extremely valuable veteran leadership for the young Charlotte Hornets squad if he isn’t bought out. Lonnie Walker IV would likely immediately start for the Charlotte Hornets at the SG position, and he would be a good fit with LaMelo Ball due to his 3 and D playstyle, with Walker shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc this season. The draft compensation would obviously be included to help the Hornets rebuild.
There is no doubt that Terry Rozier would provide an aggressive scorer who could play off of LeBron James and simply focus on getting buckets. This trade would help the Los Angeles Lakers stay afloat while Anthony Davis is out, and the offense would likely be more consistent with Terry Rozier’s presence.
Jordan Clarkson Would Inject More Offense Into The Starting Lineup
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: Patrick Beverley, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Jordan Clarkson is a former Sixth Man of the Year winner, but he has shown an ability to thrive as the starting shooting guard for the Utah Jazz. Currently, Jordan Clarkson is averaging 20.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 4.5 APG, while shooting 35.6% from beyond the arc. Clarkson is currently forced to take high-difficulty shots for the Utah Jazz, but on the Los Angeles Lakers, he could potentially become more efficient when playing off of LeBron James. Jordan Clarkson can give the Los Angeles Lakers steady guard play, as he is capable of doing a little bit of everything offensively, and is also accustomed to playing behind other stars.
The Los Angeles Lakers would likely have to surrender an unprotected first-round pick along with a second-round pick to get this deal done with the Utah Jazz. Jordan Clarkson is having a stellar season as a starter, and his trade value is quite likely high as of right now. The Utah Jazz are also a competitive team, and could potentially make the play-in tournament this year. They don’t necessarily “need” to trade Jordan Clarkson, but it is likely that the Lakers could potentially convince the Jazz to move him if they give them this deal. Patrick Beverley’s contract would be the salary being sent out in this scenario.
There is no question that Jordan Clarkson is a fantastic guard that can fit well on the Los Angeles Lakers. He has also been teammates with LeBron James and knows how to play next to the forward. Jordan Clarkson is clearly one of the best trade candidates available for the Los Angeles Lakers, and we’ll see if they target him in the future.
