The Lakers are really at a crossroads right now. With a 12-9 record and a tough loss to the Timberwolves, they’ve slipped from 4th to 8th in the West. LeBron’s slump is a big part of the problem, going 0-for-19 from three in his last few games. Even though D’Angelo Russell had a solid 20-point game, the Lakers just can’t seem to get into a consistent rhythm.

Given the team’s struggles, the Lakers might want to look back at some former players who could really help right now. With their search for a big man to pair with Anthony Davis and a need for more depth and defense, adding some familiar faces might be just what they need to get back on track. Whether it's a proven shot-blocker, a 3-and-D wing, or a veteran leader, these five players could bring a much-needed boost to the roster. If the Lakers are serious about contending, they might want to revisit these options.

Dennis Schroder

The Nets might not be in the best position to contend right now, but Dennis Schroder is having himself a season. He’s averaging 18.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, with incredible efficiency—he’s shooting 45% from the field and a career-high 41.7% from deep. This isn’t just a solid run; it’s arguably one of the best stretches of his career.

Schroder has been red-hot lately, dropping 31 points on the Warriors and following it up with 29 against the Suns, carrying Brooklyn to wins in both matchups. His mix of scoring, playmaking, and leadership has been a bright spot for a Nets team that’s stuck at 9-12 and struggling with injuries to key players like Cam Thomas and Cam Johnson.

With a $13M expiring deal, Schroder is a prime trade candidate—especially if the Nets finally pivot to embrace a tank-and-rebuild strategy. The Lakers, on the other hand, could seriously use a guy like him. D’Angelo Russell hasn’t been consistent enough, especially on defense, and Schroder’s energy, efficient scoring, and ability to set up teammates would instantly elevate the team. A package of Russell and a couple of second-rounders (2025 and 2027) could do the trick to get him out of Brooklyn.

Having already played in the purple and gold, Schroder knows the system and the expectations. Pairing him with LeBron and AD again makes a ton of sense, especially if the Lakers want a playoff-tested guard who can deliver in big moments. With the Nets leaning toward the future, Schroder could be the perfect missing piece for the Lakers to shore up their roster and make a deep postseason run.

Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball’s story over the past few seasons has been a frustrating one, but there’s still hope he can return to form. After sitting out the entire 2023-24 season due to a lingering knee injury, Lonzo underwent a meniscus transplant—an extremely rare procedure for pro athletes. This year, he’s back in action for the Bulls, but the road has been anything but smooth. Over five games this season, he’s averaging 4.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds while being eased back into the rotation. His minutes are limited as the Bulls try to manage his workload carefully, and his impact has understandably been muted.

Lonzo exercised his $21.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, making him a prime candidate for trade talks. The Bulls, currently 8-13, look like a team stuck in the mud with little chance of competing in the East. If they decide to pivot toward a rebuild, Lonzo’s expiring deal could be a valuable asset. Add to that the swirling rumors about a potential reunion with his brother LaMelo in Charlotte, and Lonzo’s name could heat up in trade discussions quickly.

For the Lakers, Lonzo’s skillset could be the answer to some of their biggest issues. His defense has always been elite, and his ability to set the table for stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis would bring more balance to a roster that has struggled with consistency at the point guard position. Let’s be real—D’Angelo Russell has been up and down, particularly on the defensive end, and Lonzo’s basketball IQ and two-way ability would make him a great bench option as a floor general in games where DLo struggles. With his high salary, offering the Bulls a deal with Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt could be enticing to let Lonzo go back to the Lakers.

On top of that, Lonzo’s familiarity with the Lakers’ system and culture could make his transition seamless. He was a fan favorite during his first stint in L.A., and his return would give the Lakers the kind of playmaker they need to compete with the West’s heavy hitters. With the Bulls’ season going nowhere fast, the Lakers should absolutely be looking into bringing Lonzo back to the purple and gold.

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Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma’s season with the Wizards isn’t exactly what you’d call a highlight reel. Through 15 games, he’s averaging 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting just 42% from the field and a rough 27.6% from deep. The Wizards? A brutal 2-17 record with one of the worst losing streaks in recent memory. For a guy in his prime, this situation feels like wasted time.

Kuzma signed a four-year, $90 million extension back in 2023, which locked him into a Wizards team that isn’t anywhere near competing. He’s stuck on a roster that’s clearly in rebuild mode, spending what should be the peak of his career on a team that doesn’t have a clear direction. While he’s doing what he can, it’s hard to thrive when you’re surrounded by a group that’s more about developing young talent than winning games.

A return to the Lakers makes way too much sense. Kuzma knows the system, the expectations, and what it’s like to compete under the bright lights of L.A. He was a key piece of their 2020 title run, and his scoring ability, size, and versatility would make him an ideal fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Plus, the Lakers need depth at forward, and Kuzma has proven he can deliver when it matters most. What could the Lakers offer the Wizards? Potentially, Rui Hachimura (going back to D.C.) and Gabe Vincent could work, and adding a future first-rounder in 2029 might convince the Wizards.

Instead of wasting his best years trying to prop up a sinking ship in Washington, Kuzma should be in a situation where his skills actually matter in the bigger picture. A reunion with the Lakers would give him a chance to compete for something meaningful again, while also giving the Lakers the boost they need to contend in the West. It’s a win-win that needs to happen.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope landed with the Magic this offseason, but things haven’t exactly gone smoothly. Through 22 games, he’s averaging just 8.6 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game—far from the level of production we’ve seen from him in the past. His shooting has been shaky, and he hasn’t looked like the impactful two-way player he was during his prime years.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are in desperate need of a point-of-attack defender in their backcourt. D’Angelo Russell isn’t exactly known for his defense, Austin Reaves struggles against quick guards, and the team has resorted to starting Cam Reddish to fill the defensive void. While Reddish has had his moments, the Lakers still lack a consistent, reliable defender who can take on the league’s best guards and wings.

This is where KCP comes in. During his time with the Lakers, he was a cornerstone of their perimeter defense and played a key role in their 2020 championship run. His ability to lock down opposing players and hit timely shots made him an invaluable piece of the puzzle. Reuniting with the Lakers could give him the opportunity to rediscover that form, especially alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who know exactly how to maximize his strengths.

On top of his defense, KCP brings championship pedigree, hustle, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure moments. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, which is exactly what the Lakers need right now. Instead of spinning his wheels on a Magic team that’s focused on developing its young talent, KCP could be a key piece for the Lakers as they push for another deep playoff run. This reunion just makes too much sense. If the Lakers were to offer the same Kuzma package with Hachimura and Vincent plus a 2029 pick, the Magic would be all over this deal.

Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez is still getting it done for the Bucks this season, averaging 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, while the Bucks are sitting at 11-9 and starting to look like a contending team slowly. There’s been talk of the Bucks possibly shaking things up, and Lopez’s name has started popping up as a potential trade piece.

Enter the Lakers, who desperately need a big man to pair with Anthony Davis. They’ve been linked to guys like Walker Kessler, Jonas Valanciunas, and Robert Williams III, but Lopez might be the best fit. He’s an elite rim protector who can also stretch the floor with his three-point shooting—something none of those other guys can do at his level. With Lopez on board, LeBron and AD would have more space to work, and the Lakers’ offense could finally open up.

On defense, Lopez would be a huge upgrade. His shot-blocking would give the Lakers a true anchor in the paint, letting Davis play to his strengths as a versatile defender who can switch onto just about anyone. And let’s not forget, Lopez has championship experience and knows what it takes to perform when it matters most.

For Lopez, a move to L.A. could mean another chance at a deep playoff run. He spent one season with the Lakers back in 2017-18, and while the team wasn’t competitive then, this version of the Lakers is built to contend. If the Bucks are serious about moving pieces, the Lakers should jump on the opportunity to bring Lopez back. It’s a reunion that just makes sense. The financial side of this deal is tricky, but D'Angelo Russell, Christian Wood, Maxwell Lewis and a 2029 first-rounder might be a good deal for the Bucks.

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