The Los Angeles Lakers may be one of the teams in the league with the most offensive stars, but the Lakers’ defense falls short in the league standings. Los Angeles ranks 11th in points allowed (114.6 OPPG) and 14th in defensive rating (114.4), and they struggle to get defensive stops against strong teams at times. The issue worsens in late-game situations, where the Lakers cannot lock in and acquire the defensive stops. They have gotten away with it until now, but it will be an issue moving forward.
The Lakers’ Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves make up the elite scoring duo, and with a healthy LeBron James, the offense will always be effective, but the other offensive supporting team members do not provide the same defensive support. The team was hoping for Deandre Ayton to provide a defensive presence in the paint, but that has not happened.
Jarred Vanderbilt has not provided consistent defense since arriving in Los Angeles, and Marcus Smart is the only other true defensive presence in the rotation. The needs are obvious, and the championship window is small, so the Lakers need to make changes to the roster. Without further ado, here are the top 5 players the Los Angeles Lakers should target in the trade market to enhance the team’s defense.
1. Andrew Wiggins
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins
Miami Heat Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, 2031 first-round pick
Getting Andrew Wiggins on the Lakers will give the wings immediate help on the wing. Even though he is no longer a two-time All-Star and even a champion from 2022, he is still averaging 16.7 points per game. He still has a 36.5% three-point shooting clip and is a strong on-ball defender.
Defensively, he is capable of taking the best player on the floor, a luxury the Lakers need right now. Standing 6’7″, Wiggins is quite lengthy and has a lot of switchable playoff experience. This gives LA something they desperately need, which is a strong, athletic, dependable 1-4 defender on the floor at the same time.
For the Miami Heat, this is about retooling. Jarred Vanderbilt is a great, versatile, defensive forward. Dalton Knecht is a young shooter (career 37.0%) with a lot of potential, and Maxi Kleber adds veteran depth to the frontcourt. For the Heat, securing a 2031 first-round pick adds another layer to the deal, and the Lakers receive the type of battle-tested defender they have been looking for.
Of all the players available, Wiggins is probably the most versatile due to his championship pedigree and is thus a near-ideal fit for the Lakers, who are in dire need of perimeter stops. Perhaps that is why we have already floated the idea of the Lakers acquiring Wiggins, because of the immediate impact he can have.
2. Keon Ellis
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Keon Ellis
Sacramento Kings Receive: Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick
Keon Ellis is one of the most underrated defenders in the league, and his development with the Kings has been great. He is averaging 6.6 PPG and is an excellent shooter with 42.4% from 3, while also consistently taking the best perimeter player on defense. All of this would give the Lakers a young, high-motor 3-and-D guard they can fit into any lineup.
He has the speed to defend elite point guards and the length to bother the wings, something the current roster is missing outside of Marcus Smart. He is also a solid fit next to Doncic and Reaves, as he is good at hitting catch-and-shoot threes. It makes sense for Sacramento to make these moves as they potentially slip toward a play-in or lottery position.
Dalton Knecht is a steady, budget-friendly option for long-range shooting, and a first-round pick in 2031 is a long-term asset. This deal nets the Kings more tradable assets while the Lakers get more immediate help for their defensive rotation. While not a household name, Ellis perfectly fits the bill for what the Lakers need: defense, shooting, youth, and a smaller contract.
3. Jerami Grant
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round pick
Jerami Grant is more of a household name, as he has a polished two-way game that has kept him at 18.6 PPG on 41.7% from three this season. He can defend multiple positions and create shots himself, which is a skill the Lakers lack on offense outside of their stars. He could be the most versatile forward defender and a go-to fourth scorer, and all of that makes the team better.
For Portland, this trade makes total sense. Grant does not mesh with the rebuild and can be moved now to save the long-term salary and get back a first-round pick and three usable vets. Vanderbilt is a defensive forward that fits with the young core, Kleber is a big man that offers size and can stretch the floor, and Vincent is a secondary playmaker. The price is steep for the Lakers, but Grant has a two-way impact that can certainly improve the defensive ceiling.
4. Terance Mann
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Terance Mann
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht
Glue guys are what we call players like Terance Mann (8.8 PPG, 3.7 APG, 0.7 SPG), and with good reason. He does all the hard work, changes the game with efficiency, and impacts the game in a bunch of different ways. He nails the three-pointer in a low usage role (36.2%) and is a rugged perimeter defender on the night he does not need to be the main scoring option.
The Nets are deep into a rebuild, and this is a smooth value play for them. Vanderbilt brings a defensive forward, and Knecht becomes one of their better long-range shooters. Mann is a winning player, but at 29, he is more suited for a contender than a team on track for the lottery. Overall, the Lakers would get a perimeter defender who can join the rotation at any time and immediately make their team better.
5. Matisse Thybulle
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Matisse Thybulle
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2032 second-round pick
Matisse Thybulle is one of the most disruptive perimeter defenders, and he would become the best point-of-attack defender for the Lakers. He was averaging 2.5 steals a game before his thumb injury while also being a decent three-point shooter, hitting 66.7% over four games. He would ease the burden off of Marcus Smart while also providing the Lakers with the lockdown defender that they currently need, and he is able to defend elite scorers.
In the case of the Trail Blazers, this is once again a rebuilding-oriented move for Portland. They look to get younger with Vanderbilt, in addition to receiving a valuable asset, a 2032 second-round pick. While Thybulle is a perfect role player, his age and window don’t mesh with the core the Blazers are trying to build. Paying a second-round pick stings for Los Angeles, but Thybulle is a real upgrade in both defense and complementary fit with the stars.
