The Lakers are looking sharp as one of the best teams in the Western Conference, sitting at 4-2 after last night’s win against the Raptors. Anthony Davis has been playing at an elite level, which has really helped the team’s momentum. But if they can pull off this trade, they could take things up a notch.
In this blockbuster trade scenario involving the Lakers (4-2), Wizards (2-2), Nets (3-3), and Pacers (2-4), we’re talking about a major deal where eight players would be on the move. The Wizards and Nets are competitive right now, but they’re both in rebuilding mode. Meanwhile, the Pacers have started the season a bit slower than expected and could really benefit from a retool to get back on track. This trade could be the perfect opportunity for the Lakers to snag three much-needed players who can help them solidify their playoff aspirations this season.
Mock Trade
Lakers receive: Cameron Johnson, Myles Turner, Dennis Schroder
Pacers receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jonas Valanciunas, 2029 first-round pick (Lakers)
Nets receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, 2031 first-round pick (Lakers)
Wizards receive: Gabe Vincent, 2025 second-round pick (Clippers), 2025 second-round pick (Lakers)
How This Trade Could Make The Lakers True Contenders
The season’s just getting started, but the Lakers have already shown they might have something special brewing under new head coach JJ Redick. With LeBron and Anthony Davis firing on all cylinders, they look primed to make serious noise in the West. Still, there’s a feeling they’re missing that one piece to become truly unstoppable. That’s where this trade comes in, potentially bringing in the ideal mix of versatility, defense, and shooting with Cameron Johnson, Myles Turner, and the return of Dennis Schroder.
For a couple of years now, Myles Turner has been one of the most popular trade targets linked to the Lakers. The guy is a defensive beast with a great shot from deep—perfect for a team that needs floor spacing around its stars. But the Pacers always asked for a lot in return, and the deal just never got done. Now, with Turner in the final year of his contract, the Pacers might be more willing to cash in before he hits free agency. Adding Cameron Johnson, another heavily linked shooter to the Lakers this offseason, would give them a reliable sniper they’ve been craving to complement LeBron and Davis. Meanwhile, Schroder’s return to LA gives them a more natural floor organizer, something he knows how to handle well from his previous stint with the team.
Cameron Johnson isn’t just a three-point shooter; he’s an efficient scorer with size who can hold his own on defense. At 6’8″, he’s got the length to guard multiple positions, which is a big need for the Lakers, especially when LeBron takes a rest. With 14.5 points in six games, Johnson has proven he can knock down shots under pressure, making him a perfect fit alongside LeBron’s playmaking. Myles Turner, on the other hand, is all about rim protection and versatility, posting 14.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. He can block shots, switch onto smaller players, and hit the three. Imagine the Lakers’ defense with Davis and Turner patrolling the paint—it’s a nightmare for opponents.
Then there’s Dennis Schroder, who’s coming back with something to prove after a season-high 33-point game performance on the Grizzlies. He had an up-and-down first run with the Lakers, but he’s still a quick, aggressive guard who can handle playmaking duties off the ball much better than D’Angelo Russell. His presence allows the Lakers to rest LeBron and Davis without completely losing their offensive punch. Having a guard who can break down defenses and run pick-and-roll with Turner is exactly what this team could use to gain depth.
The Lakers would gain a whole new level of depth and flexibility with this trade. They’d finally have a legitimate stretch big in Turner, who can shoot and defend at a high level. This trade would also ease the load on Davis, allowing him to stay healthier and more effective. Plus, having Johnson’s shooting and Schroder’s energy makes their lineup more dynamic. But they’d have to part ways with some role players like Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura. While those guys have been solid, they don’t bring the same high-level impact that Turner and Johnson can provide, especially in the playoffs.
With this trade, the Lakers would be able to roll out a lineup that can go toe-to-toe with any contender. Imagine a closing lineup with LeBron, Davis, Turner, Johnson, and a mix of Schroder or Austin Reaves in the backcourt. That’s a lineup with length, shooting, defense, and enough offensive versatility to adapt to different matchups. This trade is about giving LeBron and Anthony Davis the best chance to succeed by surrounding them with players who can cover their weaknesses and play to their strengths.
LeBron isn’t getting any younger, and Davis has his own injury history. The Lakers need to capitalize on this window while they still have two superstars in their prime. This trade gives them the depth and skillset they’ve been missing, without having to break up their core. If they want to push for one more championship in the LeBron era, this deal might be the one to put them over the top.
Why The Pacers Make This Trade
For years, Myles Turner has been one of the Pacers’ biggest assets but also one of their most frequent names in trade rumors. Entering the last year of his contract, Turner’s future in Indiana remains uncertain, especially given his frustration with a stagnant role at times. The Pacers have started the 2024-25 season with a rocky performance, underscoring their need for fresh energy and a defensive upgrade. Trading Turner now gives them value before he potentially hits free agency.
With this trade, the Pacers land Jarred Vanderbilt, a scrappy defender known for his hustle and athleticism. Although injury-prone, Vanderbilt could cover some of the defensive gaps Turner leaves behind. Meanwhile, Jonas Valanciunas brings a different look as a traditional big who can stretch the floor with his shooting and is capable of holding his own in the post. While not the shot-blocker Turner is, Valanciunas can score effectively and help spread the floor for Tyrese Haliburton.
In addition to the players, the Pacers acquire valuable draft compensation with a first-rounder in 2029. This deal aligns with Indiana’s goal of building around Haliburton and their young core while maintaining flexibility. The Pacers have a lot of potential, but without a superstar roster that may have had luck going to the Eastern Conference Finals, adding assets for future moves could position them to make a larger splash when the right opportunity comes along.
Turner’s growth into a locker room leader and defender made him valuable, but moving on allows Indiana to reshape its identity around a younger core. This deal gives them a chance to establish a new foundation and to see if Vanderbilt and Valanciunas can complement Haliburton’s fast-paced offense, hopefully helping the team make a playoff push.
This Trade Works Great For The Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are in a rebuild phase after moving on from the Durant-Irving era, trading key players like Mikal Bridges and focusing on young talent. In the season opener, they fell short against the Hawks, highlighting their challenges with depth and consistency on both ends of the floor. While Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton are expected to take on larger roles, it’s clear the team isn’t aiming for playoff contention but rather building toward a stronger future with potential lottery picks in mind.
By getting D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura from the Lakers, Brooklyn nets (no pun intended) a 2031 first-rounder while sending out Cam Johnson and Dennis Schroder to the West, and solidifying their asset stockpile in the process. These picks are crucial as Brooklyn eyes potential generational talents in upcoming drafts, like Cooper Flagg, who could reshape the franchise’s future.
For the Nets, moving these players aligns with their strategy to shed veterans and maximize flexibility. With new head coach Jordi Fernández, the focus is on instilling a competitive culture for young players. Fernández has a history with development, coming from the Nuggets and Kings, which could be ideal for a young, evolving squad. By focusing on a strong foundation and avoiding “win-now” moves, this trade ensures the Nets stay aligned with their rebuild goals.
How This Trade Helps The Wizards’ Rebuild
The Washington Wizards are fully embracing a long-term rebuild, and parting ways with Jonas Valanciunas in this trade aligns perfectly with that approach. Signed over the summer to a three-year, $30 million deal, he was brought in as a veteran presence for their young core but was widely expected to be trade bait for more future assets or potential cap space as soon as he became eligible. The team seems to be adopting the “get paid, get traded” strategy: sign a reliable vet on a team-friendly contract, and flip him to a contender once he proves his worth.
Bringing in Gabe Vincent through this trade gives Washington an affordable and steady point guard option, adding a bit of stability to a young team without crowding the lineup with high-usage veterans. Vincent can help mentor young players like Bilal Coulibaly and rookie Alex Sarr while not interfering with their development. His addition provides the Wizards with a leader on the court who understands his role and can help facilitate their rebuild without eating into the shot opportunities for players like Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma, who are focal points for the team this season.
With Vincent’s low-impact playstyle and two second-round picks added to their assets, the Wizards position themselves to be competitive enough to foster growth without veering from their rebuild. This is especially important for the Wizards, who are in the “deconstruction phase” of their rebuild plan. Moving Valanciunas early lets them maximize his trade value before he possibly loses interest or value on a developing team. Additionally, with teams like the Lakers, Warriors, and Knicks reportedly interested in acquiring him, this trade could be the first step in flipping the veteran center into a package of assets or young talent by the mid-season trade deadline.
Ultimately, this move reinforces Washington’s patient, growth-focused approach. By prioritizing flexibility and younger pieces over short-term competitiveness, the Wizards remain on track for a future with potential franchise stars from upcoming drafts, securing a promising foundation in D.C.
