- LeBron James is back and the Lakers have to surround him with superstars
- Anthony Davis was re-signed but that does not mean he is untouchable
- The Lakers made the Western Conference Finals last season but changes are needed to get over the hump
The Los Angeles Lakers had an excellent run towards the end of the campaign as they made the Western Conference Finals despite being under .500 for most of the season before the trade deadline.
- Lakers End Up With Myles Turner And Buddy Hield
- A New Shooting Guard In Town
- DeMar DeRozan Gets A Chance To Win A Ring
- A Risky Deal For James Harden
- A Massive Upgrade At The Point Guard Position
- Kyrie Irving Joins LeBron James Again
- A Deal With The Rival Clippers
- A Blockbuster Deal For A New Big Three
- Lakers Finally Land Damian Lillard
- The Biggest Trade In NBA History For Giannis Antetokounmpo
As the team looks to build on its recent playoff success and make a run at another title with LeBron James returning for another season, there are 10 blockbuster trade deals for the Lakers.
The roster is currently deep with James and Anthony Davis still one of the best duos in the NBA, and the likes of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell have been retained for the long term.
However, the Lakers need to think deeply about competing for the NBA title since teams such as the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, and Golden State Warriors will all be major threats in the same conference.
There are a number of blockbuster trade ideas that the Lakers could explore this summer, each with its own set of risks and rewards. Whether it is creating a Big Three, a blockbuster swap, or shuffling the starting lineup, the Lakers are in a tremendous position to engage in blockbuster deals to shake up the Western Conference.
Lakers End Up With Myles Turner And Buddy Hield
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Myles Turner, Buddy Hield
Indiana Pacers Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers have been in conversation throughout last year before the Russell Westbrook trade because the Lakers want their two starters but the Pacers wouldn’t accept a deal without two first-round picks. However, it could change now that Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt are on the team.
Buddy Hield and Myles Turner hit two birds with one stone for the Lakers in terms of shooting and defense. Hield is shooting 40.2% from three over his career, while Turner has led the NBA in blocks on two separate occasions. Losing three valuable youngsters and a first-round pick will hurt the Lakers in the long term, but going after another championship is far more important.
The new starting lineup for the Lakers becomes D’Angelo Russell, Buddy Hield, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Myles Turner which is a deep lineup in terms of shooting, defense, and size which could be better for contention going forward.
A New Shooting Guard In Town
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick
Even with his inconsistencies last season on an average Chicago Bulls, Zach LaVine is an All-Star shooting guard. LaVine posted 24.8 points per game and is only 28 years old with a few years left of his prime. LaVine has made two All-Star Teams already, and he is at risk of not making another one if he continues to barely scrape by victories with the Bulls.
LaVine is shooting 38.4% from three, 83.3% from the free-throw line, and 51.2% on two-point field goals over his career. The shooting guard has to do a lot to keep the Chicago Bulls afloat and would be better to be the second or third option for a title contender.
Now, the Bulls and Lakers are not far off in terms of team record and play so far, but LaVine with James and Davis is one heck of a trio. That means the Lakers will have the best Big Three in the NBA.
The Chicago Bulls would be smart to move on from LaVine to gain assets, and almost every rebuilding team dreams about the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick. It is expected that the Lakers won’t be any good in 2009 LeBron will be long retired while the trio of youngsters can kickstart an immediate rebuild.
DeMar DeRozan Gets A Chance To Win A Ring
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick
DeMar DeRozan continued to play like an All-Star last season as he posted 24.5 points per game for the Chicago Bulls. Chicago will not be one of the best teams in the East next year, especially after a season in which the team held a poor 40-42 record and could not make the playoffs after the play-in tournament.
The Lakers have a chance to close a deal for DeRozan this summer because the Bulls could be serious sellers this summer because they won’t win a championship with DeMar as their best player.
In come the Lakers, who add one of the best pure scorers to play third option behind James and Davis. Most importantly, DeRozan can lead the playoff push even if James and Davis deal with missed time due to injuries more than Reaves can.
Meanwhile, Chicago rebuilds with a first-round pick, which could be useful because the Lakers will struggle to do much of anything in 2029 when LeBron James retires. The Bulls also change the roster with Reaves and Hachimura for the long-term plan of rebuilding since Lonzo Ball might not be healthy enough in his career.
A Risky Deal For James Harden
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, 2029 First-Round Pick
James Harden has requested a trade yet again in his career and that isn’t the best look for the future Hall of Famer. The former MVP seems to not want to be anywhere and the countless drama he brings to teams is putting off a lot of general managers from acquiring him.
Except the Los Angeles Lakers have a solid culture in place that won’t tolerate nonsense and won’t cater to James Harden’s wishes. The Beard has received everything he has wanted with every team and needs to be put in his place. A team run by LeBron James and Darvin Ham will do that, and that means a scarier version of Harden could be unlocked.
By giving up two starting guards to the 76ers who will regroup around MVP Joel Embiid, the Lakers can create one of the best Big Threes in modern memory in terms of pure offense, talent, and basketball IQ. Harden won’t be required to carry the offense in the playoffs and being a third option will suit him best as he looks to win his first championship.
A Massive Upgrade At The Point Guard Position
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Lakers should strongly consider trading D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a 2029 first-round pick for Trae Young since the interest is clearly there. First and foremost, Trae Young is a dynamic and proven talent in the NBA, known for his exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills after averaging 26.2 points and 10.2 assists per game last season.
Young’s addition would provide an immediate boost to the Lakers’ offensive capabilities, adding a level of scoring and creativity they currently lack if LeBron James isn’t on the court as much. Young’s youth (24) and potential suggest a long-term solution at the point guard position, aligning with the Lakers’ championship aspirations both in the present and the future.
Moreover, Young’s ability to stretch the floor (35.1% career 3-PT FG) with his three-point shooting would open up space for James and Davis, elevating the Lakers’ overall offensive efficiency. Meanwhile, Atlanta move on from the player they might be better off trading for three youngsters and a valuable first-round pick.
Kyrie Irving Joins LeBron James Again
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyrie Irving
Dallas Mavericks Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick
Kyrie Irving’s constant link to the Los Angeles Lakers is nothing but old news, but it is stemming out of realistic probability. Kyrie, LeBron, and Davis would ravage defenses with their size and skill, and the reunion of Irving and The King would be a media story to follow all year, especially since not many believe the Dallas Mavericks will succeed with Irving and Luka Doncic.
Remember, Kyrie and LeBron proved to be devastating to the Golden State Warriors in 2016 as they defeated the sharpshooting team in 7 games. Even if they ended up on “bad” terms with Irving forcing his way out of Cleveland, the two players will forever be linked together. What Irving and James did together was legendary, clearly, as they are the first team ever to come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.
With Irving joining a dynamic duo in Los Angeles, the Lakers could be the title favorites coming out of the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Mavericks surround Luka Doncic with three players who score, assist, and also play defense while giving Doncic the chance to run the show alone once again.
A Deal With The Rival Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick
Acquiring Paul George would give the Lakers another high-caliber star to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. George is a proven All-Star and one of the league’s premier two-way players. His scoring ability, defensive prowess, and experience in deep playoff runs make him a valuable asset for a team with championship aspirations.
This past season, George made the All-Star Team by posting 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. There is no doubt that Paul George’s offensive repertoire would provide the Lakers with added scoring options. His ability to create his shot, shoot from long range (37.1% 3-PT FG), and attack the rim would alleviate some of the offensive burdens on James and Davis.
Additionally, George’s presence would enhance the Lakers’ overall offensive versatility, allowing for more lineup flexibility and increased scoring options in crunch time. His length, athleticism, and defensive instincts make him a formidable perimeter defender.
Adding him to a roster already featuring elite defenders like Anthony Davis would significantly bolster the Lakers’ defensive capabilities and provide them with a shutdown presence against opposing wings. The Clippers try to keep Kawhi Leonard healthy and get rid of one injury-prone player while surrounding Leonard and Norman Powell with three players who can all start and make a difference for Los Angeles.
A Blockbuster Deal For A New Big Three
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick
Ja Morant is one of the brightest young stars in the NBA today. The 23-year-old superstar had another outstanding season with the Memphis Grizzlies, leading them to the playoffs despite the drama surrounding him and the franchise.
With great speed, athleticism, and court vision, Morant is a playmaker who can create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates alike. The All-Star averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game in 2023.
If Morant were to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Los Angeles Lakers, it would give them a formidable Big Three that would instantly make them the favorites to win the Western Conference.
James and Davis are already one of the league’s best duos, combining for over 55 points, 20 rebounds, and nine assists per game in the 2022-23 season. LeBron can keep Morant focused on basketball as much as possible and is the best leader in the game.
Meanwhile, D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and the 2029 first-round pick are all valuable assets that could potentially benefit the Memphis Grizzlies in the long term. D’Angelo Russell is a skilled guard who has shown the ability to score and create for others throughout his NBA career.
He’s still just 27 years old and has plenty of upside despite some injury concerns in recent years. If he can stay healthy, Russell could form a potent backcourt pairing with Marcus Smart in Memphis and help the team compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference while Reaves also slots into the starting lineup.
Lakers Finally Land Damian Lillard
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick
What a move it would be for the Los Angeles Lakers to acquire seven-time All-Star, 2023 3-Point Contest winner, and All-NBA 75th Anniversary Team member Damian Lillard. The sharpshooting star of the Portland Trail Blazers is one of the best scorers in the NBA who posted 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game on 46.3% FG, 37.1% 3-PT FG, and 91.4% FT.
Those are simply superstar numbers from the best point guard in the game this season, and he would form the best Big Three in the league by far. Dame has requested a trade and while Miami is his preferred destination, the Lakers are another excellent option because they need him.
LeBron will be 39 next year, meaning he needs superstar help to continue to compete. Anthony Davis is in his prime but he is injury prone so Lillard can come in and take over the offense and also be the face of the franchise going forward.
The Portland Trail Blazers also get the chance to move on arguably their franchise’s best player and bring back three starters and a first-round pick as they look to improve the roster around rookie Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons. While a player like Lillard does not come in the draft often, this is their only chance right now because not many teams are offering massive packages right now.
The Biggest Trade In NBA History For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Anthony Davis, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick
Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is constantly linked with the Los Angeles Lakers because of his recent comments that have shocked the NBA Universe. We have seen some great duos in recent history but Giannis Antetokounmpo joining LeBron James in Los Angeles would be the best ever and it wouldn’t be close.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will dominate inside and be the best defensive player in the NBA for the next few seasons, while LeBron continues being the smartest and greatest player in the game today due to his basketball I.Q., and nobody could beat this team that can legitimately guarantee a spot to the NBA Finals in 2024.
Anthony Davis re-signed a three-year deal with the Lakers, but is there any doubt that a 28-year-old superstar is better than a nearly 31-year-old injury-prone player? This is a no-brainer in terms of a blockbuster deal from the Lakers as they get their franchise player and also give LeBron arguably his greatest teammate.
Meanwhile, the Bucks do not have to worry about Antetokounmpo leaving as they quickly return to contention in the Eastern Conference with Anthony Davis, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday as the new Big Three. Could this deal happen? It would be very unlikely but anything can happen in the NBA.
